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Measure #44 - YES
Allows Any Oregon Resident Without Prescription Drug Coverage To
Participate In Oregon Prescription Drug Program
Simply
Stated:
Lowers Oregonians’ Drug Costs Without Increasing State Spending
PEAPAC Explanation:
This Measure expands the current OPDP (Oregon Prescription
Drug Program). It currently provides discounted drug prices for
low-income seniors without drug coverage. If Measure 44 passes, all
Oregonians without drug coverage will be eligible.
PEAPAC
Comment:
The State tells us the fiscal impact of this Measure is zero. The
OPDP doesn’t use tax dollars to supplement low cost prescriptions.
And any increased administrative costs as a result of this Measure’s
passage will be offset by grants and lower state costs for drug
coverage for state employees. Additionally, the OPDP does not
mandate that all pharmacies have to be part of the program. If it
did, our view of the Bible’s teaching on the proper role of
government and taxes would raise concerns about it. Instead, the
state negotiates lower prices with the participating pharmacies. The
lower prices are a result of the large pool of buyers in the
program. So, the passage of Measure 45 would increase the number of
participants but would NOT cost Oregon’s taxpayers any money. Nor
would it force pharmacies to engage in practices that were not in
their own best interest.
The program will make more affordable prescription drugs available
for the uninsured. The drug companies, pharmacies and associated
lobbyists are not opposing this measure.
While market forces may result in lower than anticipated drug
savings, we see no reason to prohibit the voluntary financial
arrangements of this program and the resultant lower drug prices for
the uninsured. We recommend a yes vote on this measure
This voters' guide produced by Parents Education Association, PAC.
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