Oklahoma Democrat and Republican legislators stood side by side in support during this press conference in a historical stance.
Once, I met a representative that spoke today in this press conference who told me, "They're going to kill me for this." That was over a year ago.
We're all still living. Except for my son's experience with damaged medications, we remain unharmed. Unfortunately though, I know of many patients harmed and some who are no longer with us due to the forcing and steering to mail order pharmacies owned by the insurance companies. If I could put all the patients and caregivers who've told me their stories together during the depths of their suffering caused by these companies, it would look like a war zone.
Please get loud and active as legislators unite together in an attempt to end the abusive forcing and steering of patients to insurance-owned mail order and retail pharmacies.
Legislation has been passed for patient choice of pharmacy in Oklahoma, but CVS Caremark sent letters informing patients that they couldn't get 90-day prescriptions due to the legislation. It's not true. It appears to be a form of punishment to patients and legislators in Oklahoma as the legislators clearly state in this press conference that CVS Caremark is "lying."
Recall that Oklahoma is also one of the first states in the nation to pass temperature regulation through the Board of Pharmacy. It's not complete yet, though. Dark money groups will also use their lobbyist today to stop the common sense temperature regulation. The regulation still has to go through the legislators and be signed off by the governor. Will patients win against these billion-dollar corporations?
Oklahoma's Rural Letter Carriers Association President, Dellona Callaway, has spoken against regulating temperatures of mail order pharmacies in Oklahoma. Remember that prior Cigna/Express Scripts executives have sat on the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board. Interestingly, billion-dollar corporations find their way into powerful positions to influence legislation. Hopefully, legislators won't fall for the lies and will protect patients and not profits.
None of us can fight this fight alone. I work full-time. My advocacy is all volunteer, so we need you. If you can, get some people to speak with your legislators about these issues. Your voice will be life-saving.
Despite their power, I believe together that patients and America will win against these billion-dollar corporations! We outnumber them. Their power from their dark money groups and greed are nothing compared to our love and compassion for one another.
Thank you,
Loretta Boesing, Patient Advocate
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