Governor Corzine Launches Prescription Drug Registry at AARP News Conference
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-11-20 15:38:46.850667-05:00
On Oct. 26, Governor Corzine came to AARP's offices just outside of Princeton to attend a news conference launching the New Jersey Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry. The Drug Registry provides consumers with easy access to drug pricing information through a Web site and toll-free number, both available in English and in Spanish.
Until now, many consumers have not been aware that different pharmacies charge different prices for the exact same drug and the range in price can be substantial.
The Governor first spent 15 minutes in AARP's Volunteer POWER Center, testing the new Web site with AARP volunteers Herb Junker and Marie Smith. A quick search for 10mg of the common high cholesterol drug Lipitor in pharmacies in New Brunswick resulted in a startling discovery: A price differential of over $30 at two pharmacies on the same street.
On average, older Americans take between 3-5 drugs every month making the Registry an invaluable tool.
The Drug Registry is of particular importance to the estimated 1.3 million New Jersey consumers who have no health insurance and the thousands more who are either underinsured or who have fallen into the Medicare Part D donut hole. In addition, a 2007 survey conducted by AARP New Jersey has revealed that 46% of New Jersey Hispanics are paying full price for their prescription drugs.
After the Web site demonstration, Governor Corzine joined the standing-room-only news conference, facilitated by AARP New Jersey's Communications Director, Jane Margesson. Speakers included the Governor, AARP State President Sy Larson, AARP Chief Legislative Advocate Marilyn Askin, Senator Barbara Buono (18), Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (14), Kimberly Ricketts, Chief Administrator of the Department of Law and Public Safety, and David Knowlton, CEO and President, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute.
The Institute was the first to bring to light the pricing differences at pharmacies in New Jersey. The Drug Registry was signed into law in August of 2006. AARP New Jersey lobbied hard for its passage and for the inclusion of certain features: an 800 number, the availability of the Registry in both English and in Spanish and the inclusion of all New Jersey pharmacies.
Due to the inclusion of these additional features, the New Jersey Drug Registry is considered to be the most comprehensive in the nation.
Said the Governor during his speech: "[The Registry] would never have happened without AARP."
Media Coverage was extensive and included:
Print/online:Asbury Park Press (NJ)
Television:
Radio:
preview