|
|
|
The "Black Box" of State PBM Spending
|
 |
On Tuesday, I gave a presentation to the Indiana General Assembly's Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force to highlight the continued lack of transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and
their contributions to the high cost of health care for Hoosiers following a recent audit conducted by the Attorney General's office.
Using data made available through this audit, I created a cost-comparative analysis of prescription drug prices covered through state programs and presented it to members of the task force.
One finding that caught my attention was the state spent over $6 billion on pharmacy benefits in the past five years. In other words, essentially $1,000 out of every Hoosier's pocket is given to the state to pay for the cost of these drugs and to put money in the pockets of these PBMs.
I went on to offer some possible solutions in increasing transparency from PBMs, because continuing to use PBMs the way we've always done it is not going to work.
Presenting my findings to this task force was very important to me, and I hope that after hearing my presentation, my colleagues will take these findings into consideration and join me in searching for more ways we can lower drug prices for Hoosiers.
Archive footage of the Oct. 8 meeting can be found here. |
|
|
 |
|
Stay Safe Online
|
During October, we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help educate Hoosiers about the importance of cybersecurity in their
everyday lives.
Why it matters: As our world becomes more digitally connected, it is important Hoosiers know how to protect themselves online.
The Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC) released its Indiana Privacy Toolkit, a free resource that aims to help households, businesses and organizations better understand maintaining privacy online.
With so many bad actors in the world, it is important for you to ensure your information and data is secure so it doesn't end up in the wrong hands.
If you believe you have been the victim of a cyber crime, contact your local law enforcement agency, or click here. |
|
|
.jpg) |
 |
|
|
Programs and Grants for Local Government
|
Districts across Indiana can utilize state-funded grants and other programs to maintain and improve their communities. Highlighted below is
one of many grants and programs offered or administered by the state of Indiana.
Broadband Readiness Planning Grant - OCRA
This grant program provides funding for towns, cities and counties to plan for long-term community development.
To learn about the grants available to local governments, click here. |
|
|
 |
|
Harvest Season Safety Tips for the Road
Harvest season is underway, which means large, slow-moving farm equipment will be on the roads more frequently. There are several safety tips motorists should follow as they approach this equipment.
- Allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Avoid tailgating and watch for sudden stops.
- Be alert and avoid distractions.
- Be careful when passing.
- Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
|
_(2).jpg) |
James Gebert, 80 years old
Paula Rice, 81 years old
John Camp, 82 years old
Julie Wilson, 83 years old
Phillip Till, 84 years old |
Tina Burger, 85 years old
Robert Gottschalk, 86 years old
Cynthia Linn, 87 years old
Richard Newell, 88 years old
Deborah Weatherholt, 89 years old |
|
.png) |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
