“Multiple times every day family physicians encounter patients who are unable to afford the prescription medications needed to restore or maintain their health. Family physicians, being on the front lines of patient care, hear the horror stories about single pills that cost hundreds of dollars. The high cost of prescriptions is a critical issue for our patients, and therefore, for us—but it is an issue that the U.S. Congress and the Ohio General Assembly has failed to address.
On August 13, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians voted to support Issue 2, the Drug Price Relief Act, because we know something must be done so that Ohioans can afford and have access to needed medications. This initiated statute is far from perfect, simplistic, and flawed in many respects, and may not be the best approach for addressing high drug costs. But, because of the inaction of state and federal lawmakers, it is all we have. By supporting this issue, we hope to send a message to legislators—the exorbitant cost of medications and the negative impact those costs have on patients must be addressed.”
I have read the statement and action taken by the OAFP Board of directors about the Ohio Issue 2. I have also done extensive research on this topic which apparently the Board of Directors did not think they needed to do before they decided which way to go on this issue. I am very disappointed in the frivolous statement and wish the Board would revisit this issue.