Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
As Ohio continues to combat skyrocketing prescription drug costs, a new panel of government, business, and consumer advocates is exploring ways to provide greater price transparency and ensure potentially life-saving medications are affordable and accessible (Source: “State Task Force Tackling High Prescription Drug Costs,” New Philadelphia Times Reporter, February 26, 2020).
The Prescription Drug Transparency and Affordability Advisory Council met for the first time on February 26. They have been tasked with making recommendations to Governor Mike DeWine and state lawmakers by June 30.
“What we hope to achieve at the end of the process is a series of recommendations that we as the state, the administration and the legislature, can use to help identify opportunities for cost savings,” said Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and council chair.
Ohio spends about $3.5 billion a year on prescription drugs for state employees, injured workers, Medicaid beneficiaries, incarcerated prisoners, and others. Half a dozen state agencies, including Medicaid, Mental Health, and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, purchase medications.