Report to:
Governor, State of Oklahoma 
Speaker of the House of Representatives
President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Co-President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services  
 
From:  The Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council
March 10, 2008
 
Following is the 2006 report of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council, as set out in Title 56 O.S. Section 1010.21. The Council filed a previous report dated April 10, 2007.
 
The purpose of the Council is to improve access to prescription drugs for citizens who have no health insurance, inadequate health insurance, or limited resources for the purchase of medically necessary prescription drugs.
 
HB 1853, the Rx for Oklahoma Act, was passed by the Oklahoma State Legislature passed in 2005. This program provides the uninsured or underinsured Oklahomans with assistance in obtaining medications through patient assistance plans (PAPs). Some pharmaceutical manufacturers, for many years, made these plans available to low-income and uninsured persons. The legislature appropriated funding in the amount of one million dollars to establish the Rx for Oklahoma Program. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce administered the program and disbursed the funds. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce awarded bids, in December 5, 2005 to the Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCAA).  The program established partnerships with Area Agencies on Aging and Oklahoma Community Action Agencies to provide this service on a statewide basis. The office in Norman, Oklahoma expanded.  The program established a statewide toll free number by the end of December 31, 2005.

Rx For Oklahoma (Oklahoma Department of Commerce)

• During 2007yr over 80% of clients utilized the savings to meet other essential needs and improve medication dosage compliance.
• 2007 Performance Quick Facts:
  • Approximately 3, 800 Clients received free or discounted medications
  • Eligible Oklahomans received approximately 14, 000 prescriptions
  • $6.5 million in estimated savings
  • Estimated savings per client $1,736 / month
  • Assistance with approximately 3.9 prescriptions/ per client / month

Oklahoma Rx Discount Drug Card (Oklahoma Health Care Authority)

• Total enrolled in 2007: 1,564
• Number of members that used the card: 301
• Total number of prescriptions filled: 2,121
• Estimated savings:
  • Brand name drugs: $2, 961.91 (14.6% off retail)
  • Generic drugs: $33,635.54 (61.4% off retail)

Older Americans Act Network

• Area Agencies on Agencies assisted with 707 enrollments

Next Steps and Future Direction for the Council  

• Continue to cultivate and consult with local officials, including local and state legislators, during implementation steps including funding and service delivery.
• Assure the continued assistance of availability to uninsured and underinsured in Oklahoma.
• Serve as a resource for pharmaceutical benefit issues.
• Assist with changing Medicare Part D options.
• Coordinate resources with Rx For Oklahoma and other agencies to increase awareness of legal discount medication programs available to all Oklahomans.
• Communicate information to government officials and advocacy groups.
• Continue to proactively review and consider taking a position on pending legislation relating to prescription access and affordability for all Oklahomans.
  
  

The Rx For Oklahoma program, including information on the Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council, is on the OKDHS Web site as a link.

The State statute requires posting of this report on the OKDHS Web site as follows: http://www.OKDHS.org.

The Council Co-chairs also requested members to post the report on their organizations’ Web site.
 

Respectfully submitted by:
Mary B. Buckner, DPh, Council Co-Chair, OKDHS
Justin Wilson, PharmD, Council Co-chair
Claire R. Dowers, Staff Liaison, OKDHS Aging Services Division