March 15, 2025 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News NEWS SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025 • 11 SENATE NOTES FROM SEN. BRENT HOWARD | MARCH 7, 2025 This legislative session both of which I am the ance or Medicare/Medic- caused hospitals to move ed note, the Senate and the ate in-jail restoration treat- marks the third year in a primary Senate author, aid reimbursement rate to away from independent House recently approved ment programs. row I’ve worked on legisla- create the 340B Drug provide services that help pharmacists who are the an agreement that allows The state reached this tion to protect funding for Nondiscrimination Act. our citizens. lifeblood of many rural the Oklahoma Department settlement to avoid the hospitals that treat a high These bills will prohibit Prior to 2020, our 340B communities. of Mental Health and Sub- costs of protracted litiga- number of uninsured and drug manufacturers and hospitals and health care My legislation, which is stance Abuse Services to tion and the uncertainty low-income patients from distributors from limiting providers had no limit on modeled after successful settle a 2023 lawsuit that that comes with taking a pharmaceutical compa- access to pharmacies that the number of pharmacies laws in Louisiana and Ar- alleged the agency violated lawsuit to trial. The Senate nies’ discriminatory drug can participate with our they could contract with kansas, would stop these the due process rights of Appropriations Committee pricing practices. It’s not local providers. 340B is a for access to reduced-price practices and allow hospi- pre-trial defendants who has tentatively earmarked unusual for complex legis- federal program where the specialty drugs. Howev- tals to continue working were declared incompetent $17.8 million in next year’s lation, especially bills that federal Health Resources er, in recent years, major with any and all contract to stand trial and awaiting budget for ODMHSAS to face significant opposition and Services Administra- pharmaceutical companies pharmacies of their choos- mental health treatment. improve its mental health from deep-pocketed spe- tion sets reduced purchase have imposed arbitrary re- ing. By rolling back these Gov. Kevin Stitt, Attorney services as stipulated in the cial interest groups, to take costs for specialty drugs for strictions, limiting many of unfair restrictions, hospi- General Gentner Drum- agreement. years to pass through the hospitals and health care these hospitals to just one tals will regain access to mond and ODMHSAS offi- To contact me at the Legislature. I don’t typi- providers that serve many contract pharmacy. These discounted prescription cials negotiated this settle- Capitol, please write to Sen- cally wade into health care uninsured individuals and changes have made it more drug purchases, allowing ment to reduce wait times ator Brent Howard, State policy, but local hospital low-income patients. The difficult for local health for tens of millions of dol- for competency restoration Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln administrators brought hospitals and health care care providers to ensure lars to be reinvested into treatment, increase the Blvd. Room 427, Oklahoma this issue to my attention. providers can then use the the population they serve patient care and essential number of beds in mental City, OK, 73105, email me Senate Bill margin between their pur- is covered by the program. services. health facilities specifically at Brent.Howard@oksenate. 1030 and House Bill 2048, chase price and the insur- These practices have also On another health relat- for these patients and cre- gov, or call (405) 521-5612. MERRITT CANUTE Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze We proudly support Call For Pricing! Parts the students, staff Available! and administration 580-225-6554 at Canute Schools We proudly support the students, staff and One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren ~ Great Plains Bank administration at Merritt Schools suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 Great Plains Bank ~ First National Bank OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com Yes Finance Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK 720 S. Main, Elk City 580.225.1525 580-225-0191 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 | 580-472-3131 LocalLoanGroup.com www.elkcitycoop.com banksovereign.com