FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2011
Fallin Praises New Plan to Reduce Prescription Drug
Costs for HealthChoice Members
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary
Fallin applauded an action taken today by the Oklahoma State and Education
Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) that will save taxpayer dollars and
reduce prescription drug costs for thousands of consumers in Oklahoma. The plan
was originally submitted by the Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma (PPOk) as a way
to reduce prescription drug costs while retaining a level playing field between
local independent pharmacies, chains and mail service pharmacies. Total savings
are estimated at $13.1 million per year for the state, as well as a total of
$19.8 million in total savings for the 163,000 thousand prescription drug
consumers currently enrolled in Health Choice plans.
Under the new proposal, Oklahoma pharmacists will offer
deeper discounts on all drugs for Health Choice Plans resulting in savings to
the plan and the members, which include many teachers, state employees,
retirees, including all Medicare members, and their dependents. The new plan
will result in an estimated 10% reduction in total prescription drug costs for
HealthChoice members.
“Today’s agreement is a great example of how government
can work with the private sector to find ways to save taxpayer dollars, lower
the cost of health care, and support our local businesses,” Fallin said. “I
applaud both OSEEGIB and our Oklahoma pharmacists for reaching this agreement
and cooperating together on this complex and important issue.”
PPOk CEO Lonny Wilson also praised the new plan.
“OSEEGIB’s decision to accept the Community Pharmacy
Proposal is a tremendous win for the Plan, the Participants, the State of
Oklahoma, and Community Retail Pharmacies,” Wilson said. “It provides savings
to the plan, lowers total copayments and allows participants to choose the
pharmacy of their choice without incurring copayment penalties. Allowing 90 day
dispensing of maintenance drugs from hundreds of community pharmacies provides
optimum convenience and access to the many additional services provided by
Oklahoma pharmacies. Our thanks go out to OSEEGIB board members and management
for putting Oklahomans first.”