From the Office of the State Auditor:

ALBUQUERQUE – State Auditor Brian Colón today issued the following statement regarding the announcement of a $13.7 million settlement with Centene Corporation by Attorney General Hector Balderas:

“For more than a decade, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) operated in a relatively unregulated environment enabling opportunities to develop abusive billing practices. In 2020 my Office took an innovative approach and launched an investigation into the billing practices by PBMs, together with the assistance of both the Human Services Department and the General Services Department.

“I am pleased to see the groundbreaking work by the Office of the State Auditor and referral to Attorney General Balderas ultimately resulted in the recovery of millions for vulnerable New Mexicans. The Office of the State Auditor remains committed to this critical issue.”

New Mexicans concerned about potential instances of fraud, waste and abuse should contact the Office of the State Auditor. Reports may be made anonymously at www.saonm.org or by calling 1-866-OSA-FRAUD. or speak to an investigator by calling 505.476.3800.