Pharmacy groups highlight new audit on PBMs 

WEST LINN, Ore. - The Oregon State Pharmacy Association and the National Community Pharmacists Association support the Oregon Health Authority’s recommendation that the state “should enact legislation that focuses on patient and pharmacy protections and increasing transparency in the prescription drug supply chain.” The recommendation, which was part of the state’s recent audit report on PBMs, builds on a 2022 report OSPA released in collaboration with 3 Axis Advisors that found PBMs in the state are reimbursing pharmacies at different rates while at times charging Medicare and Medicaid higher prices. “This audit, along with our independent report, provides unwavering support for why PBM reform is needed in Oregon,” said Brian Mayo, executive director at OSPA. “OSPA will work in partnership with our state legislators to pass PBM bills during the 2024 legislative session. PBMs manipulated the system in 2023 and we won’t let it happen again.” The NCPA says the audit underscores the importance of Congress passing meaningful Medicaid managed care reform that prohibits spread pricing, provides increased transparency and ensures fair pharmacy reimbursement in all state Medicaid managed care programs. These specific reform provisions are currently included in PBM reform packages in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. “Momentum is growing in Washington for investigations into and reforms of PBMs, and this audit adds fuel to the fire,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA. “Stopping PBMs from abusing employers and taxpayers through harmful spread pricing and creating pharmacy deserts through underwater reimbursements is a priority of NCPA’s and should be a priority in Oregon. We’re eager partners in getting these policies over the finish line in the state and nationally as well.”