By overwhelmingly approving measure 44, Oregon voters have enacted a powerful solution to the problem of skyrocketing prescription drug costs.

Voters have overwhelmingly agreed to expand the Oregon Prescription Drug Program to over one million Oregonians lacking prescription drug insurance coverage. The program leverages the buying power of uninsured Oregonians to negotiate lower prices with the drug companies.

OSPIRG applauds Senator Bill Morrisette, AARP Oregon and SEIU for qualifying the initiative for the ballot, and we are proud to stand together with a broad coalition of supporters including Oregonians for Healthy Security, the Oregon Business Association and the Oregon Nurses Association to celebrate this victory.

The measure’s passage helps cut costs for the Oregonians paying the highest prices at the drug counter – those lacking prescription insurance coverage. A recent OSPIRG study found that with no one to negotiate lower prices on their behalf, uninsured consumers pay an average of 61% more than the federal government for the same drugs.

The Oregon Prescription Drug Program changes that, using the power of bulk purchasing to negotiate lower prices. Expanding the program will not cost additional taxpayer dollars. Rather, the program becomes more effective the more people join.

In addition, the expanded program provides a critical tool in the fight against rising health insurance premiums. Every time a person has to go to the emergency room because they can’t afford drugs like insulin or heart medicine, it forces costs up for everyone. For the average family, more than $1100 of the annual premium is used to pay for the expensive care for the uninsured. The Oregon Prescription Drug Program’s ability to cut drug costs is a critical component of reducing the overall cost of health care.

Enrollment for the expanded program opens December 7th. We urge Oregonians lacking drug coverage to contact the Oregon Prescription Drug Program for more information and to learn how to sign up: toll-free at 888-411-OPDP or online at OPDP.ORG.