he Food and Drug Administration on Friday cleared the way for Florida's first-in-the-nation plan to import prescription drugs from Canada, a long-sought approach to accessing cheaper medications that follows decades of frustration with U.S. drug prices. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the plan into law in 2019, but it required federal review and approval by the FDA, which controls prescription drug imports. Democratic President Joe Biden has backed such programs as a way to lower prices, signing an executive order in 2021 that directed the FDA to work with states on imports. The policy change represented a shift after years of successful lobbying by the pharmaceutical industry, which said imports would expose U.S. patients to risks of counterfeit or adulterated drugs. The FDA also previously warned of the difficulties of assuring the safety of drugs originating from outside the U.S. But the politics surrounding the issue have shifted in recent years, with both parties — including former President Donald Trump — doubling down on the import approach. Jeff Johnson, director for AARP Florida, said he was excited about the federal decision, though he said it’s only one step of many the group would like to see to help lower prescription drug costs. He noted savings won’t be noticed by most people, but the state will save money overall. “Unless our healthcare coverage comes through Medicaid or through some another state-run program, we probably won’t save that money on prescription drugs,” Johnson said. “If there are enough different things out there that help reduce drug prices, together they’ll make a difference.” MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/florida-import-drugs-canada/67-554cc2f5-99a8-4f28-a135-1cb8e2c70f30 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay