Writing the Prescription for a Healthy Oregon
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-01-08 13:54:00-05:00
Thanks to the overwhelming passage of Measure 44—co-sponsored by AARP Oregon and Sen. Bill Morrisette—on November's election ballot, Oregon is now able to tackle the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs and bring more affordable, accessible medications to Oregonians across the state.
The measure opened up the state's simple, smart and cost-effective bulk purchasing pool, the Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP), to any Oregon resident without prescription drug coverage, regardless of age or income.
As of Dec. 7 eligible Oregonians can apply for OPDP, which leverages the buying power of people in the program to negotiate lower prices with drug companies and pharmacies. Participants receive a wallet card that can then be used at nearly every chain and independent pharmacy in the state to receive savings of up to 60%.
Please make sure you sign up if eligible, and pass the word on to your family, friends, and neighbors. Simply visit Oregon Prescription Drug Program online, or call toll-free to 888-411-OPDP. You can also contact AARP Oregon at (866)554-5360 or by e-mailing us.
Beginning in February, AARP Oregon will work with the state and several other health care and consumer organizations to host enrollment events or opportunities in communities across Oregon.
The Oregon Prescription Drug Program:
- Is now open to any Oregonian without Rx coverage, regardless of age or income.
- 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% 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.
- Utilizes more than 500 participating pharmacies across Oregon, more than 90% 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 prescription drug coverage (with exception of Medicare Part D for seniors). Simply visit Oregon Prescription Drug Program online or call toll-free to 888-411-OPDP (6737).
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