Attorney General Gentner Drummond is warning businesses that the Emergency Price Stabilization Act is in effect in the four counties where a State of Emergency has been declared due to the past week’s wildfires.
The law, also referred to as the price gouging statute, prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services and helps protect citizens from unfair price hikes. The statute is in effect for Beaver, Harper, Texas and Woodward counties.
Drummond cautioned that anyone who violates the Act is subject to legal consequences.
“Oklahomans recovering from the wildfires are protected from unfair price hikes and fraud,” he said. “Any businesses that violate the law will be held accountable by my office.”
Drummond is also reminding pharmacies and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) of important legal protections that take effect during a declared emergency. The following statutory deadlines and audit activities are temporarily suspended in affected counties:
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Below-cost appeals – The deadline for a pharmacy to file a below-cost reimbursement appeal is paused during the declaration and for 30 days after it ends. PBMs cannot reject an appeal as “late” if it’s filed during this paused period. A pharmacy can still submit appeals during the state of emergency.
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PBM audits – PBMs must pause audits for pharmacies in the affected counties during the state of emergency and for 30 days afterward. Limited exceptions apply in cases involving suspected fraud or audits required by other applicable laws.
Pharmacies with questions or concerns should contact Drummond’s PBM Compliance and Enforcement Unit.
Drummond also encourages Oklahoma consumers to be on the lookout for scammers due to spikes in contractor fraud following disasters.
“In the wake of disaster, these bad actors often target vulnerable homeowners desperate to rebuild,” Drummond said. “While the desire to quickly repair damage is understandable, taking time to carefully select a reputable contractor is crucial to protecting yourself, your family and your property.”
Find tips to protect yourself from contractor fraud or report suspected fraud activity through Drummond’s Consumer Protection Unit. Anyone can call the unit at 1-833-681-1895 to find out if complaints have been filed against a contractor or to file a complaint against a contractor.