Unbottling Oregon health care

Affordable health care in Oregon isn't doing very well. But OR Senate Dems are looking for ways to take on the mess by giving the state bulk bargaining rights for prescriptions for state employees and senior citizens. Here's the background:

In 2003, the legislature unanimously passed legislation (SB 875) creating the Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP), a purchasing pool, to help rein in drug costs. The measure enables the state to bargain with pharmaceutical companies for bulk prescription drug discounts, as do private insurers and the Veterans Administration. The program began operation in March of this year and includes public sector employees and low-income seniors. Oregon taxpayers also benefit as more tax dollars are freed up for essential public services. Last month, the Oregon Senate voted to include more Oregonians in the purchasing pool but the House has stalled the companion bill in committee where it is under siege by the pharmaceutical lobby.

The expansion of the purchasing pool will spread prescription drug savings to thousands of Oregonians; provide much needed relief for small businesses, low-income seniors and families; and enable the state to exert more leverage on the pharmaceutical companies to bring their prices in line.

[ . . . ] The companion bill (HB 3027) has been sitting in the Health and Human Services Committee in the Republican-controlled House since March 2005, where it is under siege by the pharmaceutical lobby.

The OR House Dems, in the minority, are trying to get the leverage to get the companion bill out of committee by throwing down the glove:

We believe the time has come for extraordinary measures to spur House action on these and other bills that relate to reducing the cost of healthcare.

Both links above take you to pages where you can send your opinions to your Senator or Representative. Do it.