Oklahoma Governor Henry Proposes Online Web Site to Help Consumers Find Most Affordable Prescription Drugs

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January 29, 2008 -- Oklahoma City -- As the costs of prescription drugs continue to rise, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is proposing an initiative this legislative session aimed at giving consumers information about where to find the most affordable prices for pharmaceuticals.

The Governor is urging state lawmakers to approve establishing an online site called the Oklahoma Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry, otherwise known as the Consumer’s Choice Registry. The Web site would allow consumers to easily search retail prices at state pharmacies for the 150 most-prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Gov. Henry said similar Web sites set up in other states have encouraged pharmacies to reduce prices, which has translated into significant cost savings for consumers.

“Oklahomans deserve the ability to make informed choices about where to buy needed medications,” Gov. Henry said. “The Consumer’s Choice Registry is a commonsense, pro-consumer strategy that will enable people to compare prices. This will have a particularly positive impact on our seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income and must use a significant number of medications.”

Under the proposal, all pharmacies in the state will be required to routinely submit retail price information to the Web site, which will be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Health. The measure, Senate Bill 1712, is authored by state Sen. Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City).

Source: Oklahoma Governor