Senate Unanimously Passes Prescription Savings Plan

A pair of bills aimed to lower prescription drug costs for Oklahomans cleared a legislative hurdle today, said Senator Tom Adelson.

Adelson, A Democrat from Tulsa and author of the two measures, said the vote was an important step forward in the battle to reduce prescription drug costs.

The Senator explained Senate Bill 977 establishs a state Website to help Oklahoma citizens buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and other industrialized countries. It also allows Oklahoma pharmacies to reimport the less expensive drugs for sale to their Oklahoma customers. Additonally, Senate Bill 547 forms the creation of an Oklahoma Smart Card that would help citizens take advantage of existing discounts offered by the pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies. Both measures passed the Senate without a single opposing vote.

“These measures allow all Oklahomans access to more affordable medication,” Adelson said. “And they help protect and stregthen the exsisting relationship between Oklahomans and their local pharmacist.”

The measures, which are both part of Governors Henry’s “Prescriptions for Savings” program will now be advanced to the House for consideration.