How we’re working to lower prescription prices for Oregonians

We’re fighting back against the prices set by the pharmaceutical industry. And we’re winning.

In 2017, Oregon Coalition for Affordable Prescriptions (OCAP) was founded with a single goal in mind: lowering prescription drug prices for Oregonians. A diverse coalition of over 20 allies came together, including everyday people affected by high drug prices, health care providers and plans, labor groups, and community organizations. Together, we’ve been able to make a big impact in holding the pharmaceutical industry accountable for their outrageous price gouging. Here’s a look at our work so far:

  • 2018: HB 4005, the Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Act, was passed with a bipartisan supermajority. Since then, manufacturers have to report increases of 10% or more through Oregon’s Prescription Drug Pricing Transparency Program. What we’ve learned from the data collected confirmed what we already knew: the pharmaceutical industry is making life-saving medications unaffordable for Oregonians.
  • 2019: OCAP announced a robust legislative agenda for 2019 that focused on bills that were designed to make an immediate impact for Oregonians unable to afford their prescriptions. Our number one priority was passing HB 2658, 60-Day Advance Notice of Price Increases. We knew that similar legislation passed in other states was effective in curbing price increases, and at the very least would give Oregonians time to find alternatives. The bill passed with overwhelming support. 

In 2020, we plan to pass drug importation from Canada to provide Oregonians with desperately-needed relief from high drug prices. Oregon has a Legislative short session, which means we only have 35 days to get things done. Here are a few ways you can help make sure this important bill passes:

We’re looking forward to fighting back against Big Pharma with you in 2020.