November 13, 2024
The Ohio House Insurance Committee heard proponent testimony for HB 382 which would require insurance companies to reimburse pharmacies for talking prescription readers for patients who are blind. Richard Payne of the National Federation of Ohio and Eric Duffy provided in person testimony supporting the need for accessible prescription labeling legislation. Eric pointed out that this legislation has been repeated proposed for over almost 10 years and it is time to pass it.
Over a dozen people submitted written testimony in support. Amy Pulles, President and CEO of Prevent Blind Ohio provided helpful statistics: "According to data from our 2020 Vision Problems in Ohio report, more than 1.7 million Ohioans are affected by a vision robbing condition, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy."
Jake Dowling, Legislative Affairs Manager, Ohio Association of County Boards of DD, pointed out that many developmentally disabled persons could also benefit and "In addition, this bill supports more effective health care management by helping patients become active partners in their own medical treatment plans. By lowering financial barriers for those who rely on these devices to manage their health needs, HB 382 promises to offer people with disabilities the same standard of information and care provided to other patients."
Theresa McKenney gave a compelling example of how dangerous it is to not be able to catch medication errors. She wrote, "In 2023, I was provided with my medication that almost ended my life. The Exact Care Pharmacy sent me an incorrect dosage. Therefore, I was taking double medications. I contacted the pharmacy several times to inquire about the packaging. But, they insisted that it was correct. As a result, I have kidney damage, and could have died"
Another testifier, Wilbert Turner, shared how he was caretaker for his wife when she had cancer. "[She] was prescribed over ten medications that would result in death if taken improperly. I could have used that device to assist me with managing her care. If it were not for my daughter coming over daily, I do not know what I would have done."
The next hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2024.
View the video of the hearing: https://ohiohouse.gov/committees/insurance/video/ohio-house-insurance-committee-11-13-2024-196346 Complete written testimony can be found at: https://ohiohouse.gov/committees/insurance/meetings/cmte_h_insurance_1_2024-11-13-1000_1441