Healthy dose of public support

Concerned about the soaring cost of healthcare, AARP Oregon sought to bring a ballot measure before voters to address the fundamental need for access to affordable medications. The goal was ambitious: reduce the cost of prescription drugs by as much as 60 percent for people without health insurance or a prescription drug benefit. The AARP-sponsored measure was designed to make healthcare more affordable for all Oregonians by controlling elevated costs associated with caring for the uninsured.  

Pyramid’s outreach, public education and and coalition-building work with organized labor and health system providers brought the issue to life for communities throughout the densely populated Portland metro area, helping to build broad-based support. Measure 44—which opened the Oregon Prescription Drug Program to any underinsured Oregon resident—passed with a staggering 78 percent voter approval.