Health Care News

On December 7, the prescription ballot measure passed in November takes effect, giving Oregonians a powerful tool to cut skyrocketing drug costs.

Due to the measure, now any Oregon resident lacking drug coverage may sign up for the Oregon Prescription Drug Program, regardless of age or income. The program leverages the buying power of people in the program to negotiate lower prices with the drug companies. It delivers savings of up to 60%, and the discounted drugs are available at nearly every pharmacy in the state.

The expansion of the program is good news for taxpayers and Oregonians lacking drug coverage. Because the program uses the power of bulk purchasing to negotiate lower prices and pass those saving on through discounts, the expansion will not cost additional taxpayer dollars. The more people join, the more everyone saves.

The measure’s passage helps cut costs for the Oregonians paying the highest prices at the drug counter – those lacking prescription insurance coverage. A recent OSPIRG study found that with no one to negotiate lower prices on their behalf, uninsured consumers pay an average of 61% more than the federal government for the same drugs.

The Oregon Prescription Drug Program fights these high drug prices. Oregonians overwhelmingly passed the measure to expand the program, with 77% voting yes.

We urge all Oregon residents lacking drug coverage to sign up. Contact the Oregon Prescription Drug Program toll-free at 888-411-OPDP or online at OPDP.ORG.

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Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) is a non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocate, and part of the Yes on 44 – Prescription for a Healthy Oregon coalition.