Side affects podcast

The Problem with PBMs

Episode #36

20170511

Scott and Anne Marie welcome Antonio Ciaccia of the Ohio Pharmacists Association, a trade group that represents pharmacy professionals to the show. Ciaccia says pharmaceutical companies take a lot of heat for rising drug prices. But most people aren’t aware that middlemen within the pharmacy supply chain negotiate prices, often in secrecy. Ciaccia blames “a dysfunctional system.” Scott blamed “an overabundance of greed."

Subscribe on any of these platforms

Similar Episodes

Episode #26

“Hood Robin” and Prescription Drug Pricing

This episode marks our first foray into the secretive world of prescription drug pricing, and it's one we'll revisit many times. Scott likens it to Robin Hood in reverse — the real payers of prescriptions are propping up a dysfunctional system.

Listen Now

Episode #40

The Ohio Drug Price Relief Act

Scott and Anne Marie welcome back Antonio Ciaccia of the Ohio Pharmacy Association to dissect Issue 2, the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act that was subsequently defeated in Ohio in November 2017. Learn why pharmacists believed the issue, which purported to lower drug prices, would have unintended consequences for consumers.

Listen Now

Episode #44

Who’s Really on Drugs?

A month before the November 2017 election, Ohioans were still unclear on Issue 2, the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act. On the surface, it sounds like a good thing for Ohio consumers. Scott and Anne Marie are joined by MB colleagues Michael Orr and Adam Griffith to examine Issue 2 may, in fact, have the opposite effect.

Listen Now