Investigation: Ohio out $20M in lost drug costs

The state watchdog says the Ohio insurance fund for injured workers is out $20 million because of problems with its prescription drug program.

Inspector General Tom Charles says the Bureau of Workers' Compensation failed to take steps to recover $14.5 million in available rebates from drug manufacturers from 2005 to 2008.

A report released Wednesday by Charles also found the bureau unnecessarily spent $5.5 million for drugs treating conditions not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The report says the bureau has taken steps to recover rebates but still lacks procedures for changing its drug reimbursement policies.

The bureau says it has taken several steps to improve its pharmacy program since 2007, when current administrator Marsha Ryan took over.