LaValle Co-Sponsored Bill, Prescription Freedom of Choice Passes Senate 60 – 2, Provides Drugs May Be Purchased at Local Pharmacy Rather by Mail order.

New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said today that a bill he co-sponsored that provides freedom of choice to consumers who have coverage for prescribed drugs as part of their health insurance has passed the Senate and will now go to the Governor for his signature.

 The bill, S3510, allows consumers to purchase prescription drugs from their local pharmacy despite an insurance company policy mandating a purchase from a specific mail order pharmacy.

“This legislation provides consumers with a choice,” Senator LaValle said, “as well as increased safety.”

“When consumers purchase prescribed drugs from his or her neighborhood pharmacist, that pharmacist is familiar with his or her medical history,” Senator LaValle said and added that “many consumers, especially senior citizens, rely on their local pharmacist for the service that they provide with respect to monitoring the regimen of drugs that they take. A mandate of purchase by mail denies them of this important service and confidence.”