Portland woman says new rule on prescription drug imports would increase her costs

Portland resident Maida Uhlig says a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection rule on prescription drug imports would sharply raise her costs. The 81-year-old has bought anxiety medication from Canada by mail for about 20 years, paying roughly $675 per year for Lexapro, since her insurance doesn’t cover it because a generic exists. Uhlig estimates buying the same brand in the U.S. would cost about $6,300. The rule, set to take effect Oct. 22, would end a postal-system exemption that currently allows importation by individuals. Rep. Chellie Pingree says she urged the Trump administration to abandon it, arguing people could be “priced out.”