Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-521-5774
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For Immediate Release: March 28, 2006
Senator Susan Paddack with the "Help is
Here Express" bus at the State Capitol.
Bus Tour Helps Oklahomans Sign up for Prescription Assistance;
Lawmakers Hail Success of Program
Oklahomans
needing free or reduced-cost medications got one-on-one
assistance Tuesday when the “Help is Here Express”
bus made a stop at the State Capitol. The bus is a traveling
education center making stops throughout the country
to raise awareness about how to take advantage of the
Partnership for Prescription Assistance program.
Although Oklahoma’s Prescription Assistance Program
has only been statewide since December, it is already
credited with helping nearly 5,000 Oklahomans save over
$22 million on free or reduced-cost prescription medications.
That’s in addition to the 3,000 people who were
helped during the two years the service was available
as a pilot program.
State Sen. Susan
Paddack and Rep. Kris Steele co-authored the 2005
legislation expanding the Norman-based pilot program.
“Oklahomans should not have to choose between
life-saving prescriptions and other necessities,”
said Paddack, D-Ada. “With the Prescription Assistance
Program, they don’t have to decide whether to
put food on the table or buy heart medication.”
The Prescription Assistance Program increases access
to prescription drugs for low income Oklahomans through
a partnership with pharmaceutical companies that offer
free and discounted prices on prescription drugs. The
program provides a single point of access to more than
475 public and private patient assistance programs,
including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical
companies.
“Our statewide program simplifies the process
and makes it easier for Oklahomans to get signed up
for discounted and free medications,” explained
Steele, R-Shawnee. “I think this program is really
a blessing for older citizens on fixed incomes as well
as working families who need help.”
To learn more about the Prescription Assistance Program,
call 1-888-4PPA-NOW or on the Internet, go to www.pparx.org
For
more information contact:
Senator Paddack's Office - (405) 521-5541
