Help Lower Drug Costs - Join the Prescription For Change
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-02-25 12:51:15
"Recommended daily dosage" shouldn't mean "only take what you can afford."
Hearing from members fed up with the high cost of prescription drugs, AARP Washington is writing its own "Prescription for Change." The AARP state office launched the statewide "Prescription for Change" consumer information and advocacy campaign in late January designed to make prescription drugs more affordable for Washington consumers.
A new AARP report shows that over 80% of Washington voters are concerned about the cost of prescription drugs, and nearly 90% think it is very important for consumers to have information available to help them compare the safety, effectiveness and cost of their medications. The survey also found that significant numbers of consumers are being forced to make difficult decisions in the face of mounting prescription drug bills. Many consumers are skipping doses (24%), cutting back on items such as food, fuel or electricity (16%), delaying filling prescriptions (31%), or not filling prescriptions at all (25%).
As part of the campaign, AARP is joining forces with the Washington State Governor's Office, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the Washington State Pharmacy Association, to hold a series of public forums throughout the state on how to become a "Drug Smart" consumer (dates and locations included below).
Attendees will learn what's behind the seven most popular myths about prescription drug affordability, and will leave with tips on how to save money on their prescription drugs. In addition to expert information, participants will receive a Prescription for Change handbook, tote-bag, Drug Smart button and a free lunch.
Space is limited, so call now to reserve your seat. The trainings are free, but pre-registration is required. Registration information is included below.
AARP also backed a number of state legislative proposals aimed at lowering drug costs, including recently passed Senate Bill 5471 and Senate Bill 5470. Senate Bill 5471 creates a prescription drug bulk-buying pool open to state and local government entities, businesses, labor organizations and all uninsured or underinsured consumers. Under the bill, the Health Care Authority will represent the buying group and negotiate discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers. The buying consortium is scheduled to open on January 1, 2006.
Senate Bill 5470 would allow the state to license Canadian prescription drug wholesalers, from whom Washington pharmacies could then purchase brand-name drugs at lower Canadian prices. The bill, sponsored by Senator Rosa Franklin, will require a waiver from the FDA prior to its implementation.
"These measures have the potential to provide some much needed relief for Washington seniors, but our work has only begun," said AARP State Director Doug Shadel. "We need to work on building a large pool of participants for the bulk buying group in Senate Bill 5471. Only then will we have the market clout to demand lower prices from drug manufacturers," he said. "And we can't afford to stop our fight against high drug costs until we find a way to rein in skyrocketing prices."
Prescription for Change Event Times and Locations
June 10
1—4 p.m.
Olympia Center—Multipurpose Room
222 North Columbia Street
Olympia, WA 98501
To register, call RSVP at (360) 586-7787
June 23
10 a.m.—2 p.m.
Yakima Gateway Hotel
9 North 9th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
To register, call RSVP at (509) 574-6858
For more information on how to save money on your prescription drugs, download AARP’s “Drug Smart Handbook.”
Related Articles
- AARP Washington State Legislative Agenda
- AARP and Prescription Drugs
- Effectiveness & Safety of Prescription Drugs
Other Resources
- BenefitsCheckUp
This web-based service allows seniors, their families and caregivers to quickly and easily identify what programs and services they may qualify for and how to access them. - SHIBA Helpline
The SHIBA HelpLine, a service of the Office of Insurance Commissioner, is a statewide network of trained volunteers who help consumers and their families with questions about health insurance. - RX Washington
The Rx Washington homepage includes information about various drug discount programs and resources, a pharmacy price check, information on accessing Canadian drugs and evidence based research on prescription drugs.
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