California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
- June 2026 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
- June 2026 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin
Also in California, Medi-Cal Rx appreciates your continued partnership and support in ensuring the continuity of care for members. Medi-Cal staff are requesting stakeholder feedback regarding the services provided by the Resolution Team (also known as the Special Population and Managed Care Plan Clinical Liaison Team). Participation in the Stakeholder Survey for the Resolution Team will help with efforts for continuous process and quality improvement. Please submit your responses no later than July 19.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
Medicaid eligibility requirements for some Health First Colorado members will change significantly because of federal legislation, H.R. 1. To help community partners understand the changes and help keep eligible members covered, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing launched a new Toolkit and will host a Medicaid Work Requirements Webinar on July 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a Civil Investigative Demand to CVS Health Corporation, owner of both the Caremark pharmacy benefit manager and hundreds of CVS retail pharmacies in Florida. The probe examines whether CVS/Caremark steers patients to its own locations, reimburses its affiliated stores more generously than independent pharmacies for identical prescriptions, imposes burdensome audits that claw back payments and enforces restrictive contracts that threaten small businesses. Such practices allegedly contribute to pharmacy closures and "pharmacy deserts," leaving families and seniors with fewer options and higher costs. The Civil Investigative Demand requires thousands of documents and sworn testimony on reimbursement rates, pharmacy contracts, patient steering, audits, rebates, differential treatment of own versus independent stores and expansion plans. Compliance is required by July 28.
Also in Florida, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care annual open enrollment (OE) season begins October 1 and ends November 30 for all enrollees in all regions. During open enrollment, enrollees may choose a different managed care plan or remain with their current plans. Enrollees will begin receiving OE reminder letters in July. All OE mailings will be completed by September 30. Beginning October 1, enrollees can request a plan change using one of the methods below. All plan changes requested will become effective on December 1.
- Text ENROLL to FLSMMC (357662). Enrollees will need the Medicaid ID number of each member and the account PIN number.
- Go online at www.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com to create a Member Portal account or chat with our Enrollment Virtual Assistant.
- Call 1-877-711-3662 to speak with a Choice Counselor.
Finally in Florida, the state's 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on July 20 and ends on August 20. Participation is mandatory. Retailers cannot opt out of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
The Idaho Retailers Association is gathering information for a new initiative that could benefit pharmacies and patients. The Idaho Medical Association is working with the American Medical Association on an awareness initiative regarding a Medicaid covered benefit: Self-Measured Blood Pressure for adults, including blood pressure cuffs from the validated device list.
Their goal is to provide Idaho physicians with a list of pharmacies that are verified to carry the validated cuffs (assuming not all pharmacies carry them). Additional educational information about the campaign will be forthcoming, but the first step is to make sure everywhere in Idaho has a pharmacy nearby that can provide the device.
Please answer the following three questions at your earliest convenience and email your responses to pameaton@idahoretailers.org.
- Does your pharmacy carry blood pressure cuffs (for adults) from the validated device list (VDL):Devices | Validate BP
- Are you aware that this is aMedicaid coveredbenefit?
- Will your pharmacy accept a paper prescription brought in by hand by the patient for the purpose of obtaining a validated blood pressure cuff?
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Illinois
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issued a Standing Order for Reproductive Health Contraception and Pregnancy Tests, dated June 24.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2739-FFS RE: Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes: PBA Transition to Optum Rx. Effective July 27, the Iowa Medicaid FFS pharmacy benefit administrator will transition from Change Healthcare to Optum Rx.
Also in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult resident of central Iowa. Measles infection was acquired during international travel. This is the first measles case that has been identified in Iowa in 2026. Iowa reported a total of nine confirmed measles cases in 2025.
Finally in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force for the purpose of eradicating Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, and ensuring funds are used to support the needs of Iowans who qualify for benefits.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kentucky
The Board of Pharmacy published the Kentucky Pharmacy Lawbook, 2026, compiling current statutes and regulations governing pharmacy practice in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Louisiana
On July 10, NACDS honored Margo Chauvin, PharmD, of Sam's Club, as the 2026 Louisiana Chain Pharmacist of the Year at the Louisiana Pharmacy Association's annual meeting in Bossier City. Chauvin was chosen by a vote of her colleagues.
Also in Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement new Point of Sale (POS) edits for select medications.
Also In Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement clinical authorization for select medications.
Also in Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement new Point of Sale (POS) diagnosis code requirements for select medications.
Finally in Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement new Point of Sale (POS) quantity limits.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maryland
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board's next meeting is scheduled for July 27 at 9:00 am. Part of the meeting may be conducted in closed session. This meeting will be held remotely. To attend virtually, please register here.
Also in Maryland, the Medicaid Office of Pharmacy Services posted a new issue of Pharmacy News & Views, with PDL updates effective July 1, 2026.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The General Assembly approved a state budget bill last week that included funding and basic policy language requiring Medicaid health plans to hire a Single PBM to administer the pharmacy benefit. The budget now goes to the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) for consideration.
Also in Michigan, Medicaid asked us to share their consultation summary, which contains various links and background information that may assist pharmacies with enrollment and billing for test and treat services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
Navigating the MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) enrollment process can be complex. To get started, visit the provider enrollment application. Before reaching out for support, check the Provider Enrollment Guide on the Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance (MMAC) Provider Enrollment webpage. The fastest way to find answers in the Guide is to check the Index or select your specific Provider Type.
Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and meeting materials for a virtual open meeting on July 15.
Finally in Missouri, the Board will be hosting a two-hour webinar for Missouri pharmacists-in-charge (PIC) on July 23, covering the PIC's responsibilities, inspector tips for PICs, regulatory requirements/changes, recent compliance and inspection trends, expanded scope of practice and patient safety best practices.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nebraska
New income guidelines increased the number of families who could qualify for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition assistance program. The maximum income allowed for participation in WIC increased. Some families who were not eligible for the program in the past may now be eligible.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and Board meeting materials for July 15 and 16 in Las Vegas. There are two proposed regulations scheduled for July 16 for Workshop: (1) Amendment to establish record keeping requirements of controlled substances by a pharmacy, and (2) Amendment to require packaging used to ship prescriptions to contain a device which monitors the temperature of the prescription and alerts the patient if the prescription is exposed to temperatures outside the temperature range listed in the manufacturer’s package insert.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oklahoma
Deputy Attorney General & PBM Director, Michael Leake, said “Pharmacies are on the front lines of identifying PBM conduct that may violate Oklahoma law. When pharmacies submit complaints to our office, they provide the facts and documentation needed to identify unlawful practices, detect repeated conduct and build strong investigations. Whether the issue involves reimbursement, audits, network access, steering or claims handling, every complaint helps our office enforce the law, hold PBMs accountable, and protect Oklahoma pharmacies and the patients they serve.” Pharmacies may submit complaints through the Oklahoma Attorney General’s PBM Unit. More guidance is available on the Attorney General’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda and meeting materials for the June 17 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates prior to the meeting. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Pennsylvania
The PACE program published a bulletin stating that effective July 1, 2026, PACE will recognize the Bridge program BIN as the primary payer for certain GLP-1 drugs when the Bridge program accepts and pays the claim.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Texas
Pharmacy technicians may hold a national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The Board of Pharmacy reminds technicians that state and national renewal applications are separate processes. Renewing your registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) does not automatically renew your national certification. For state registration timelines, please verify your TSBP renewal deadline.
Also in Texas, the Health and Humans Services Commission Vendor Drug Program Medicaid will publish the semi-annual Preferred Drug List (PDL) update on July 24.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed the state budget last week, enacting two critical pharmacy provisions that NACDS and VACDS championed. The first is language that allows pharmacies to provide new formulations of FDA-approved vaccines to patients until June 30, 2027, regardless of whether ACIP acts. The budget also contained funding to begin the RFP process for the state’s Single PBM in the Medicaid managed care program, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to continue advancing PBM reform.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) Prescription Drug Program posted the third quarter Preferred Drug List (PDL) showing which drugs are preferred and non-preferred for Uniform Medical Plan and Workers’ Compensation at the Department of Labor and Industry.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alaska
Earlier this month, NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) urging him to sign HB 195, a bill that significantly expands patient access to essential pharmacy-based healthcare services. The legislation broadens pharmacists’ authority to administer medications and offer services aligned with their education, training and experience and professional standards of care. On June 18, the governor vetoed the bill, but the legislature convened a special session and overrode the veto the following day.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed SB 1713, legislation enabling pharmacists to test and treat for common respiratory conditions and furnish HIV prevention medications, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Also in Arizona, Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed HB 2434, legislation modifying requirements related to the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP), including pharmacies, pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The Centennial State is the second state to gain FDA approval for a program to lower prescription drug costs for its residents by importing prescription drugs from Canada. Florida earned the approval in 2024, but it has yet to begin importing any drugs.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
Iowa Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2738-FFS RE: Statewide Provider Revalidation Initiative. Revalidation will occur over a two-year period, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Providers will receive revalidation notices in phases. Each provider will have approximately 30 days to complete the revalidation process once notified.
Also in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) accepted the resignation of the Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Larry Johnson, whose confirmation was blocked by Iowa Senate Democrats in April for partisan political reasons, and appointed Kraig Paulsen, Director of the Iowa Department of Management, to also serve as Director of Iowa HHS at the pleasure of the governor. To ensure efficient and effective operations are maintained at Iowa HHS, Director Paulsen has appointed Johnson as Principal Deputy Director of the department. Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 441—1.3(3), Director Paulsen will retain all non-delegable duties and will delegate the remainder of his authority to administer the department to Principal Deputy Director Johnson.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Maryland
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) will meet virtually June 30 at 9:00 am. Registration is required. Please visit the PDAB‘s website for more information about the upcoming and previous board meetings and presentation materials and to learn more about the PDAB’s work.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services published Provider Bulletin 26-10 to notify Medicaid providers of changes to the Medicaid preferred drug list (PDL), effective July 17.
For more information, contact NACDS' Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Ohio: Medicaid and Gainwell released a bulletin regarding year-end payments to pharmacies.
Also in Ohio, the Board of Pharmacy published a Reporting Theft or Loss of Dangerous Drugs Pocket Card.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.