Deep Rx Discounts Available to All Oregonians
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-05-09 20:12:29.765636-04:00
Oregon experienced another landmark step toward ensuring quality, affordable and accessible health care for all Oregonians with the further expansion of the Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP) on April 26 when the Governor signed it into law. OPDP is now open to the private sector, labor unions and all underinsured Oregonians who lack full prescription drug coverage.
OPDP was originally created in 2003 to help low-income uninsured Oregonians over the age of 54 afford the high cost of prescription drugs. Through the simple, smart and cost-effective power of bulk purchasing and pooling resources together, the state negotiates much lower prices for prescriptions than individuals and businesses normally can. In 2006, AARP Oregon served as co-petitioner with Sen. Bill Morrisette on Ballot Measure 44 to expand OPDP to all Oregonians of any age or income without prescription drug coverage. It passed overwhelming (nearly 80 percent support) on the November 2006 election ballot.
"Tackling prescription drug prices through key tools like OPDP is an important step in the road to controlling overall health care costs and creating real reform—ensuring all Oregonians have access to quality, affordable health care," said Jerry Cohen, AARP Oregon State Director.
OPDP is very easy to apply for, and new enrollees receive their wallet identification card about one week after their completed application is received and processed. The card is accepted at most local and chain pharmacies across Oregon and participants receive savings up to 60 percent off their prescriptions. State officials point to an average savings of $28 per prescription.
Please make sure to sign up, and pass the word on to your family, friends, neighbors, small business owners or workers, as well as labor union members. Simply go online, or call toll free 800-913-4143. You can also contact AARP Oregon at 866-554-5360 or by email.
AARP and other community partners are now involved in aggressive outreach across the state to help ensure that Oregonians are aware of this new opportunity and enroll in the program. The organization recently created a unique intergenerational partnership with 100 Oregon State University pre-medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students to help spread the word and host enrollment events.
The Oregon Prescription Drug Program:
- Is now open to any Oregonian without Rx coverage or who lack full Rx coverage, regardless of age or income, as well as small businesses and labor unions
- Greatly improves Oregon's ability to negotiate discounts from drug manufacturers and pharmacies using the state's nationally recognized evidence-based research
- Reduces prescription drug costs by as much as 60 percent for participants. In only the first year of the program's initial and very limited implementation, more than $560,000 was saved, an average of $26 per prescription! Imagine what could be possible soon as the more people join, the more everyone saves. The program has already achieved an additional savings of $28 per prescription with the new enrollments.
- Is accepted at hundreds of participating pharmacies across Oregon, most of the state's total chain and independent pharmacies
- Helps create a healthy Oregon and control rising health care costs for everyone with its focus on preventive care, thus reducing the likelihood of more expensive emergency department visits or other treatments down the road
- Creates a valuable safety net when combined with Medicare Part D, especially for seniors who fall in the "donut hole"
- Is very easy to apply for. State officials just need name, address, phone number, date of birth, gender, and signature attesting that all is true, valid information and that applicants don't currently have or are underinsured for prescription drug coverage (with exception of Medicare Part D for seniors).
Simply go online or call toll free 800-913-4143. This number is also the place to go if you need assistance filling out an application, need it in a different language, or have questions about the program.
Other Rx Information or Assistance Programs
- Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Other Resources
- April 26, 2007 — Governor Signs Legislation to Expand the Oregon Prescription Drug Program
- April 12, 2007 — Students, AARP Spread Word About Prescription Plan
- April 10, 2007 — OSU Students, AARP Help Get Out the Word About Oregon Prescription Drug Plan
- Dec. 7, 2006 — Oregonian Editorial: A watershed moment in health care; Beginning Friday, all Oregonians without drug insurance are eligible to join the state's expanded prescription plan
- Dec. 6, 2006 — Governor Announces Expansion of Oregon Prescription Drug Program
- Nov. 7, 2006 — Statement from the Co-Chief Petitioners for Measure 44 — Prescription for a Healthy Oregon: Jerry Cohen, State Director of AARP Oregon and Senator Bill Morrisette
- Sept. 19, 2006 — AARP studies find escalating prescription drug prices, rising affordability concerns; Measure 44 is effective, homegrown solution to rein-in Rx costs for Oregonians
- July 26, 2006 — Initiative to Reduce Prescription Costs Qualifies for Ballot
- Oregon Prescription Drug Program Brochure and Application
- AARP Rx Watchdog
AARP tracks the prices of the most commonly used brand name and generic prescription drugs for consumers ages 50 and above and reports its findings each quarter. Read the latest on skyrocketing prescription drug prices. - AARP Using Medications Wisely
Learn how to effectively manage your medications, research your health conditions and treatments, and track your medicines. - AARP Online Consumer Guide for Finding Effective, Affordable Prescription Drugs
Are the most expensive drugs always the best? Not necessarily. AARP developed this online consumer guide to help you find effective, affordable drugs. Read about comparable drugs. Compare their prices. Then consult with your medical provider to choose the right drug for you—at the right price. - Oregon State Public Interest Research Group Report, July 2006: "Paying the Price: The High Cost of Prescription Drugs for Uninsured Oregonians"
- Oregon and Washington Announce Joint Bulk Purchasing Program, the Northwest Prescription Drug Consortium, July 2006
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