Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-521-5774
For Immediate Release: March 28, 2006
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
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