Could a new federal rule cut off your access to cheaper prescription drugs?

Now, many Americans count on lower-priced prescription drugs from over the border in Canada to help save money, but a change in federal rules could shut that down. A new Customs and Border Protection policy is scheduled to kick in in January. As Boston 25's Cale Thompson explains, the rule will put tighter regulations on drug shipments right here into the U.S. Even though not officially approved by the FDA, the government has allowed personal use shipments to come into the U.S. for decades. And some people fear that cutting this option off would leave them unable to afford the medicines they need. For many, prescription medications are a lifeline. My husband ended up having a surgery and they needed to have some medications to help control his condition. But Lena Santiago knows firsthand how expensive some drugs can be. She and her husband turned to Canada after getting sticker shock for their meds. I took the prescription to the pharmacy and they said, Oh, that's a thousand bucks for three months. And I'm like, yeah, no. Countries like Canada often offer drugs at a fraction of the price because of government controls on pricing not available here. For decades, shipments for personal use have not been stopped at the border. But in the face of tariff talks, a new Customs and Border Protection rule could change that. The rule suspends the exemption that has allowed shipments worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. CBP determined the suspension is necessary to prevent unlawful importations, including unlawful importations of illicit or dangerous goods. That includes everything from toys to household goods. But the biggest noise has come from those worried about their prescription medications. People are really concerned. I mean, people are worried. Bill Hepshire has seen that worry firsthand. I can get that for you. You take in 90 days is 180 tablets. He started Canadian MedStore 24 years ago after his brother needed costly medication. Today, Hepshire has multiple locations with the same mission, helping people get more affordable drugs from reputable pharmacies in Canada and other countries. So you're talking about a savings of 80 or 90 percent in a lot of cases. He points to a blood thinner like Eliquis, which can cost $650 a month in the U.S., but runs closer to $100 a month in other countries. Today, this is one of the only ways that Americans can afford the prescription drugs that they need. Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton is one of 71 lawmakers who sent a letter to the CBP, the Food and Drug Administration, and other federal agencies, urging them to preserve access to safe, affordable medications. Hearing from a constituent who has a drug that costs $200 when he gets it by prescription from Canada, he depends on this drug every single day, and he simply cannot afford to pay $2,500 every time he has a refill. Hepshire fears if drugs can no longer be obtained this way, it could put the lives of seniors and many others at risk. People are going to have to make decisions between, you know, do I pay my mortgage or my rent, or do I take the medications I need? Now, it's still unclear if packages will be stopped or delayed because of the rule change. Customs and Border Protection told us this is just a process change for them, and the FDA rules on medications have not changed. We'll, of course, keep you informed on what happens.