Despite seven in 10 Oklahoma voters reporting paying more for prescription drugs, strong majorities say they do not believe more government regulation is the answer.
The results of a recent poll commissioned by Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare (OKFAHC) and conducted by Cygnal found Oklahomans are wary about adding more regulation to healthcare.
Download poll toplines here
Download Cygnal polling memo here
“Oklahomans want to control the cost of prescription drugs, and they prioritize paying less over having more options,” said Julie McKone, executive director of Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare (OKFAHC). “They also realize that government interference in the market only leads to higher prices.”
The poll, conducted among likely voters in January 2024, found:
74% of voters, including 81% of Republicans, believe additional requirements for shipping prescription drugs are unnecessary and would make prescription delivery much more expensive
More than 70% of voters would rather have lower premiums/co-pays or a discount at a certain pharmacy than more options to pick up prescriptions at any pharmacy at the regular price
Voters blame drug companies (34.8%) and the federal government (26.5%) for high healthcare costs
Voters were clear that policymakers should focus on inflation and the economy, not meddling in healthcare:
Two-thirds of voters oppose lawmakers outlawing options like receiving discounts at certain pharmacies or getting prescriptions delivered at home
61% of voters think state government mandates often drive up costs and benefit special interest groups instead of patients and families
Fewer than a third of voters think government involvement in healthcare is helpful
“We appreciate Oklahoma lawmakers who are looking for ways to help people afford medication,” McKone said. “But voters think the best way to control prices is to let the market find solutions, rather than imposing even more government regulations.”