Representative T.J. Marti

R

District 75

Hi, I’m T.J. Marti and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 75th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Nov 6, 2025
Recent Posts

Marti, Kern Study Impact of Pharmacy Benefit Managers on Oklahoma Patients and Pharmacies

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow, and Sen. Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, hosted an interim study Monday examining the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Oklahoma’s health care system and how their practices affect patient access, local pharmacies, and state health care costs. "I’ve seen firsthand how PBM practices can harm both patients and independent pharmacies," Marti said. "Our goal is to ensure every Oklahoman receives fair pricing and quality care while protecting the local pharmacies that keep our communities healthy." Experts testified about the financial pressures PBMs place on community pharmacies and the complexity of the drug supply chain. Jonathan Buxton of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association said PBMs aim to maintain pharmacy access while controlling costs for plan sponsors. However, several witnesses noted that pharmacies are often reimbursed below acquisition costs, threatening their long-term viability and patient access, especially in rural areas. Marti expressed concern over the continued decline of community pharmacies and questioned whether PBMs are ensuring fair reimbursement rates to keep them sustainable. Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of 46Brooklyn Research and 3 Axis Advisors, said nearly every participant in the drug supply chain, from manufacturers to PBMs, has financial incentives that can obscure transparency and drive up prices. Independent pharmacists shared firsthand challenges. Todd Pendergraft, co-owner of Broken Arrow Family Drug Stores, reported nearly $30,000 in underpayments on workers’ compensation prescriptions last year and described PBMs steering patients to PBM-owned pharmacies. Lucas Coody, PharmD, Director of Government Affairs at AlignRx, said the burdensome and ever-changing PBM appeals process, combined with disregard for Oklahoma statutes, often causes pharmacies to abandon reimbursement disputes altogether. Scott Biggs, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission, explained that while his agency enforces maximum reimbursement rates, PBMs are regulated by the Attorney General’s Office and the Insurance Department. Michael Leake, Deputy Attorney General and Director, PBM Compliance and Enforcement Unit, said enforcement actions have recovered $32 million for the state health plan and made Oklahoma a national leader in PBM oversight and transparency. Kern said the findings highlight the need for stronger regulation. "PBMs play an important role, but we cannot allow practices that harm our state budget or limit patient access to essential medications." Marti thanked participants for their testimony and announced plans to pursue PBM reform legislation in the 2026 session to ensure fair treatment for both pharmacies and patients statewide. The Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature will convene on Feb. 2, 2026.

Jun 17, 2025
Recent Posts

Reps Congratulate OMMA Director on National Cannabis Regulators Board Appointment

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Reps are applauding the national appointment of Adria Berry, executive director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), who has been named president of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) Executive Board for the 2025-2026 term. Reps. T.J. Marti, R-Tulsa; Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee; and Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, released the following joint statement: "Adria Berry’s appointment as president of CANNRA is a well-deserved honor that reflects the significant progress Oklahoma has made in regulating medical marijuana. Under her leadership, Oklahoma has become a model for other states navigating cannabis regulation. She has brought transparency, efficiency and a strong sense of purpose to an area of policy that has often been difficult to manage. This national recognition speaks not only to her individual leadership, but also to the work being done in Oklahoma to set clear standards, enforce the law and serve patients and businesses fairly. We are confident she will continue this important work and bring the same focus on consistent, transparent and equitable regulation that has strengthened Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program to her efforts guiding cannabis policy at the national level. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of her leadership in this new role." Berry was elected during CANNRA’s June 9 business meeting in Denver, held ahead of its stakeholder event that drew regulators and officials from over 30 jurisdictions and 175 national and international participants. CANNRA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of government agencies that regulate cannabis, cannabinoids and hemp across more than 45 U.S. states and territories, as well as several countries.

May 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Marti Applauds AG Drummond's Lawsuit Against Drug Makers and PBMs for Unfair Pricing

 Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow, released the following statement applauding Attorney General Gentner Drummond's recent lawsuit against major diabetic drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMS) for unfair pricing. "I commend General Drummond and his office for advocating for Oklahomans struggling to make ends meet while PBMs and health insurers continue to boast record profits year after year. Since the Attorney General's office took authority over PBMs, we have seen progress in curbing their anti-competitive and monopolistic practices. "The Oklahoma Legislature has been at the forefront of the battle against PBMs and their lack of transparency in the United States. This lack of transparency has resulted in higher drug prices and poorer health outcomes. Despite misinformation from these companies and the state chamber of commerce, the Oklahoma House and Senate have remained steadfast in fighting PBM abuses." Marti serves as the chair of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee. According to the petition Drummond filed Tuesday, in the past decade alone, manufacturer defendants have increased the prices of their insulins up to 1000%.