Human resources, health benefits and managed care executives to learn about latest industry research and trends for cost-effective, high quality pharmacy benefit programs

CHICAGO, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Midwest Business Group on Health in collaboration with Pharmacy Outcomes Specialists announced the keynote speakers and agenda for the sixth annual Pharmacy Benefits Academy (PBA) to be held July 31-August 1 at the Westin O’Hare. The program provides human resources, benefits and managed care professionals, union trustees and other health care stakeholders, with the information and tools needed to better manage pharmacy costs and related benefits, and improve the health outcomes of their covered populations.

“This year’s conference will highlight employer best practices in pharmacy benefits and we’ve included multiple sessions that focus on the emerging trends and challenges in biologics/specialty pharmacy,” said Cheryl Larson, MBGH vice president. “We’re also launching our first ever PBA Innovators Award honoring employer and health plan innovation.”

Keynote speakers for this event include:

• Laurie S. Zoloth, Ph.D., Professor of Medical Humanities & Bioethics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
• Stacy L. Dow, Benefits Manager, Whirlpool Corporation
• Lisa Gill, Editor, Prescription Drugs, Consumer Reports
• Sandra Morris, RN, Senior Manager, Procter & Gamble
• Pam Moroukian, Director HR, Compensation & Benefits, Tenneco

Registration information and an agenda can be found at www.pharmacybenefitsacademy.com.

About the Midwest Business Group on Health
Celebrating more than 30 years of advancing value in health care and health benefits management, the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) is one of the nation’s leading business groups of private and public employers. MBGH’s more than 100 members represent over 3 million lives, spending more than $3 billion on health care benefits annually. MBGH member benefits include educational workshops for health benefits management, networking opportunities, research, demonstration projects and community initiatives. MBGH is a founding member of the National Business Coalition on Health. www.mbgh.org

About Pharmacy Outcomes Specialists
Pharmacy Outcomes Specialists is the premier consulting firm in the pharmacy benefits industry for corporate clients, unions, government agencies and managed care organizations. Projects include large complicated audits of Medicare Part D programs and audits of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for compliance with financial and plan terms. Pharmacy Outcomes Specialists’ consultants and partners are a unique group of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, accountants, financial analysts, attorneys and government specialists. www.pharmout.com

SOURCE Midwest Business Group on Health