Expansion of pilot prescription drug project proposed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- House Republicans Tuesday announce a program to help low-income and uninsured Oklahomans with their prescription drug bills.<br/><br/>The Prescription for Oklahoma plan is an expansion

Wednesday, February 2nd 2005, 5:28 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- House Republicans Tuesday announce a program to help low-income and uninsured Oklahomans with their prescription drug bills.

The Prescription for Oklahoma plan is an expansion of a pilot program started a few years ago in Norman, which officials say saved one-thousand people more than $6-million in drug costs last year.

The Prescription Assistance Program in Norman is staffed by volunteers and is funded partially by government grants and private donations. It pays for some prescriptions and seeks to qualify citizens for discount programs offered by drug companies and others.

House Speaker Todd Hiett[pictured] and Shawnee state Representative Kris Steele proposed to expand the program statewide, with the help of county health departments and community action agencies.

Hiett says the program is only part of the solution to high health care costs.

Governor Henry says he welcomes Hiett's proposal, but says his program is better because it would connect consumers with available discounts.