Health care plan announced; drug importation nixed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State lawmakers agreed to a health care plan that sets up a new program of prescription drug assistance.<br/><br/>The plan agreed to by Governor Brad Henry, House Speaker Todd Hiett

Thursday, May 19th 2005, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State lawmakers agreed to a health care plan that sets up a new program of prescription drug assistance.

The plan agreed to by Governor Brad Henry, House Speaker Todd Hiett and Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan also includes health savings accounts and a program to increase the number of physician assistants in rural areas.

Henry is disappointed his drug reimportation program isn't part of the agreement, but said Wednesday that proposals left in the plan should help lower drug costs for many Oklahomans.

The agreement calls for expansion of a current prescription assistance program that depends on contributions and discounts from pharmaceutical companies and mainly aids low-income citizens.

The "Oklahoma Smart Card" program is also part of the plan. It allows citizens to take advantage of a myriad of discounts offered by pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.