State audit finds poor accountability, lack of transparency for pharmacy benefit managers

A new audit from the Oregon Secretary of State’s office found that the current healthcare structure for Medicaid pharmacy benefit managers lacks transparency and is too complex to properly measure its value. Pharmacy benefit managers are the go-between for drug manufacturers and wholesalers. They are responsible for paying and processing prescription drug claims, creating preferred drug lists, negotiating on behalf of pharmacies and more.  Ian Green is the audit manager for the Secretary of State's  audits division. He joins us to share more on what his office found and the changes they’re recommending.