OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — A new statewide survey shows most Oklahoma families are concerned about the rising cost of prescription drugs, highlighting the economic anxiety surrounding health care as lawmakers continue debating prescription drug policy at the Capitol.
The survey of more than 400 likely Oklahoma voters conducted in April found 68.1% of Oklahomans are either very concerned (31.5%) or somewhat concerned (36.6%) about the cost of prescription drugs for themselves and their families. Fewer than one‑third said they are not very concerned or not concerned at all.
Concern over drug prices appears widespread across the electorate. Eighty‑two percent of respondents said keeping prescription drug prices as low as possible is “very important,” with another 13.2% calling it somewhat important. Less than 3% said it was not important.
The polling also suggests Oklahomans expect higher health care costs to land at the household level.
When asked who pays the largest share when the cost of providing health insurance rises, 66.7% said employees and families, compared with far smaller shares who identified employers, insurers, state government, drug companies, or pharmacies.
That concern is reflected in lived experience. Nearly four in ten respondents (38.7%) said they or a family member had difficulty affording a prescription medication in the past 12 months.
The findings arrive as lawmakers consider prescription‑drug measures. As previously reported by Oklahoma Business Voice, employer groups have warned the bill could raise health plan costs by mandating specific pharmacy reimbursement standards and dispensing fees, costs they argue would ultimately be passed on to workers and families.
