On October 4, MassHealth released the results of its cost of dispensing study. It was announced that the proposed updated dispensing fee for chain pharmacies will be reduced by $1.51 per prescription from $10.02 to $8.51. This proposed change is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. The dispensing fee for independent pharmacies will be increased by 19 cents to $10.21. The division also announced a policy change that will require managed care organizations (MCOs) to pay the MassHealth fee-for-service rate to independent pharmacies instead of the current managed care contract rate. MCOs will continue to pay chain pharmacies the negotiated contract rate. The raw data from the cost of dispensing survey is expected to be made available within the next two weeks. The proposed amendments will be submitted to CMS for its approval.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.