Gov. Jeff Landy (R) signed into law the PEP/PrEP bill, HB 579, sponsored by Rep. Wayne McMahen (R), that will improve critical community access to HIV prevention services. With one of the highest rates of HIV in the country, the Department of Health (LDH) recognized the need for better access. LDH worked with the Louisiana Alliance for Retail Pharmacies (LARP) and other groups advocating for expanding options for at-risk patients to receive timely, convenient and lifesaving care at their local neighborhood pharmacies.
Also in Louisiana, Gov. Landry (R) announced key leadership changes. The Department of Health Secretary (LDH) Dr. Ralph Abraham transitions to the newly created Surgeon General role, Undersecretary Michael Harrington was named as the new LDH Secretary and Chief of Staff Drew Maranto was promoted to Undersecretary of LDH. The Secretary of LDH is responsible for implementing the Surgeon General’s recommendations, overseeing fiscal matters and ensuring the operations of the Department are carried out efficiently and effectively. Both the Secretary and the Surgeon General report directly to the Governor.
Also in Louisiana, LDH announced that Myers and Stauffer will be conducting a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey in August 2024 to evaluate the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement methodology. A Zoom stakeholder meeting will be held at 9:00 am on July 15. LDH and Myers and Stauffer representatives will discuss the scope of the survey, timeline for completion and address stakeholder questions about the process.
Finally in Louisiana, Medicaid is implementing changes to the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL) on July 1, 2024. The current PDL indicated a preference of some brand name drugs over generic drugs. The revised PDL will shift both brand and generic versions of these drugs to preferred status. The new PDL will be posted online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.