To cope with explosive prescription drug prices, the state of Utah came up with an unorthodox option for the public employees it insures: Pay them to go to Mexico.

In other countries, specialty drugs can cost as little as half the U.S. price — which means the savings for taxpayers can be substantial. But the plan raised questions: Is it safe? Would Utahns be willing to make the trip over the international border to Tijuana, 700 miles away? And why are drug prices so much higher in America?