Written by Jim Matheson
U.S. Representative, 4th District of Utah
As consumers, we are all looking for ways to save money and find the best price. For most products, competition among different suppliers and access to good information allows consumers to compare prices and find a good deal. This is not the case with prescription medicines for household pets. That is why I introduced a bipartisan bill with fellow Utahn Jason Chaffetz that makes sure pet owners are given the opportunity to find the best price for their pet medicines. Even if this bill does not become law this year, it is important that you and your family are educated consumers and can realize savings if you choose.
Veterinarians do a wonderful job of caring for our pets, but they are not required give pet owners a copy of a prescription when they prescribe medication. Most pet owners purchase prescription pet medications from their veterinarian without knowing that they could also purchase those medications at a pharmacy or online. Without the ability to compare prices,Consumer Reports estimates consumers are paying 100% to 1,019% more for medications when they buy them at the veterinarian’s office.
Our bill simply requires veterinarians to provide a prescription to the pet owner. At that point, the owner would still have the choice to buy the pet medication from the veterinarian, or to go elsewhere. This is not a unique concept – it took federal legislation to require eye care professionals to provide a written prescription to consumers so they would have a choice of where to purchase contact lenses. The result of that legislation is that prices for contact lenses dropped significantly and consumers are far better off today.
Veterinarians have expressed concerns with my legislation because they say consumers need to be instructed on the proper use of prescription pet medications. My response is that the veterinarian should provide that information to anyone to whom he provides a prescription, just like medical doctors do for humans, regardless of where the medication is actually purchased.
I know this is not the most significant issue we face in Washington these days, but I believe it is always important to stand up for consumer interests and make sure our economy works in a transparent way. And with 62% of all American households owning pets, this issue affects a significant number of people.
I am proud to sponsor this bill, and am honored to serve in Congress on behalf of Utah families like yours. As your representative, I always appreciate hearing from you on current topics and issues affecting you and our community. Please let me know areas you find especially interesting or where I can provide you with additional information. I value your ideas and look forward to hearing from you.
