ODM (Ohio Department of Medicaid) posted Myers & Stauffer’s 2022 Fee-For-Service Pharmacy Cost of Dispensing Survey report. NACDS is currently analyzing the report that found that the cost to dispense increased since 2020 but that increase was mostly prevalent among smaller pharmacies. Survey results included a weighted mean of $9.46 and a weighted median of $8.44 as the cost to dispense for non-specialty providers.
Also in Ohio, ODM Director Maureen Corcoran testified about the proposed biennial budget proposal, confirming that the proposal includes funding for a “modest” pharmacy Professional Dispensing Fee (PDF) increase. NACDS has been advocating for an increase since the September announcement of the PDFs for the SPBM (Single PBM). No details are yet available, but NACDS expects to update members very soon.
Finally, in Ohio, ODM and Gainwell (SPBM) are continuing to re-implement prior authorizations (PA) requirements in stages by specific drug classes. The reimplementation only applies to new, initial authorizations. Phase 3 begins on February 14 for these specific classes:
- Age Restricted Medications (denoted with “AR” on the UPDL (Unified Preferred Drug List))
- Benzodiazepines
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Agents: Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Non-Benzodiazepine
- Endocrine Agents: Diabetes- Insulin
- Endocrine Agents: Diabetes- Non-Insulin
Members can reference the Unified Preferred Drug List on the SPBM portal to see products that require a PA. Additional PAs will be reimplemented during the first quarter of 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.