(COLUMBUS, OHIO)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today issued the following statement providing an update on his office’s investigation into the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who do business with Ohio agencies:
“Since the end of 2017, my office has been reviewing and investigating issues regarding PBMs and their contracts with Ohio agencies, such as the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, and our numerous pension systems. It is clear that the conduct by PBMs in these areas remains a major concern, and we anticipate that our investigation will result in major litigation against PBMs.
“In recent months, my office began the process of hiring outside counsel to assist our continuing civil investigation and to oversee potential litigation that may arise from it. We are close to finalizing a selection and expect to announce that soon. We will also continue our efforts in court to defend the Department of Medicaid against PBM efforts to avoid transparency.
“Today, I am putting the PBMs on notice that their conduct is being heavily scrutinized, and any action that can be taken and proven in court will be filed to protect Ohio taxpayers and the millions of Ohioans who rely on the pharmacy benefits provided. Just as Ohio and other states have taken previous action against PBMs in other matters, Ohio will not hesitate to be the first state to demand accountability from PBMs for this pattern of conduct.”
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