Organization identifying solutions to ensure Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) savings are directed back to patients, taxpayers, and the state
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2020
COLUMBUS, OHIO – In the midst of a global pandemic affecting millions of Ohioans, and as uncertainties related to health and fiscal issues persist, a growing number of patient and medical organizations today joined forces to share ideas to fix our drug pricing process. The newly launched PBM Accountability Project of Ohio aims to improve understanding of the Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ — or “PBMs” — process for determining the cost of medicines and identify solutions to help redirect savings to patients, employee health plans, and state taxpayers.
Members of the PBM Accountability Project of Ohio include the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio, Charitable Healthcare Network of Ohio, Easterseals of Central and Southeast Ohio, Mental Health America of Ohio, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, Ohio Bleeding Disorders Council, Ohio Hematology Oncology Society, Ohio Pharmacists Association, Ohio Psychological Association, Ohio Osteopathic Association, Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association, and the Ohio State Grange.
“The costs of prescriptions are rising, but we often don’t understand the real reason why,” said Sue Roy, President of the Ohio State Grange. “That’s because the drug supply chain is cloudy and complicated to say the least. We’re joining forces with stakeholders across Ohio to identify meaningful solutions to help our state’s PBMs do what they were meant to do – save patients money.”
“Lawmakers and administration officials in Ohio have been addressing the role of PBMs and we encourage the incoming General Assembly to continue this work,” said Ernie Boyd, Executive Director of the Ohio Pharmacists Association. “The PBM Accountability Project will provide a platform for more perspectives on how PBM practices impact patients and providers and why reform is necessary.”
“The PBM Accountability Project will be part of the next phase of developing public policy that guides our drug supply chain in Ohio,” said Dave Dillahunt, Executive Director of the Ohio Hematology Oncology Society. “Meaningful work is underway to address how PBMs are taking advantage of their position at the expense of patients, providers and employers. It’s time for more patient advocates to join the effort and share how reforms will help improve access and affordability for cancer patients.”
The PBM Accountability Project of Ohio will work to educate lawmakers and stakeholders about the impact of rising out-of-pocket costs to patients. The campaign will serve as a platform to discuss real and effective solutions that will redirect the prescription drug savings that PBMs achieve for health plans, back to patients, pharmacists, and purchasers.
To learn more, visit pbmaccountabilityoh.org.
###
The PBM Accountability Project of Ohio
The PBM Accountability Project of Ohio brings together leaders across the state to help ensure that Ohioans aren’t overpaying for the prescription medicines they need. We are working to improve understanding of the Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ — or “PBMs” — process for determining the cost of medicines, and find solutions to help redirect savings to patients, employee health plans, and state taxpayers.