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