Task force formed to address prescription drug costs

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, Feb.  26, 2020).

The Prescription Drug Transparency and Affordability Advisory Council met for the first time Wednesday, tasked with making recommendations to Gov. 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 chairman.

Ohio spends about $3.5 billion a year on prescription drugs for state employees, injured workers, Medicaid beneficiaries, incarcerated prisoners and others. Medications are purchased by half a dozen state agencies, including the departments of Medicaid and Mental Health, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.