Oregon State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) recently joined local pharmacists Ann and John Murray in a discussion with the Secretary of State’s Audits Division regarding their upcoming performance audit of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in the Medicaid program.
“Constitutionally the Secretary of State has the authority to review contracts that may not be in the best interest of the State of Oregon. Legislatively, I have the responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used correctly and getting the greatest benefit for all of Oregon,” said Smith.
The Murrays, who operate Murray Drugs Inc. with locations in Heppner, Condon, and Boardman, echoed Smith’s sentiments.
“We welcome the Oregon Secretary of State’s audit of the Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM’s) activities within the state Medicaid program,” the Murrays said in a statement. “Many states in the nation have recently found astonishing savings in these audits. By increasing transparency and scrutinizing how PBM’s are operating, we predict this audit will uncover funds that can be used to help Oregon’s Medicaid program protect and benefit vulnerable Oregonians and maintain our fragile rural health care system and access to pharmacy services.”
It is an anticipated this extensive audit could take upwards of 18 months to complete.
“At the end of the day, I would hope there would be transparency in the auditing process and identification of waste and inefficacy,” said Smith.
