Maine Governor Praises Federal Plan for Prescription Drugs

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills says Maine is ready to take advantage of a Trump administration proposal that would allow Americans to legally and safely import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada.

The administration announced the plan Wednesday that reverses years of opposition from federal health authorities. It comes amid a public outcry over high prices for life-sustaining medications.

It's unclear how soon consumers will see benefits.

This year, Maine passed a bill to allow for the wholesale importation of prescription drugs from Canada.

Last year, Vermont passed a similar law, which needs federal approval to proceed.

Mills says she told the federal Health and Human Services secretary that her administration is ready to review and help shape the new rule. Mills signed Maine's law last month.