Erica Joyner, Author at In The States

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So far Erica Joyner has created 542 blog entries.

New York

On March 17, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced the launch of DFS Connect, a new digital program launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) that will centralize the Department’s interactions with both regulated entities and consumers and ensure better service to businesses and consumers. Building on the state’s actions to protect New Yorkers from rising drug costs, the initial functions launched today on DFS Connect provide a streamlined and transparent way to file complaints for prescription drug prices that increase more than 50 percent over the course of a year and PBMs. Additionally, individuals can file complaints via mail or by calling the DFS Hotline.

Also in New York, the Office of Health Insurance Programs of the State Department of Health has approved the release of the January 2025 Medicaid Update. Relevant sections are below:

Pharmacy

All Providers

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:52:38-04:00March 20, 2025|New York|

Pennsylvania

It is our understanding that the Governor’s office is close to completing its review of the Pharmacy Technician Registration Final Regulation #16A-5433. We anticipate that if the Governor’s office sends the regulations back to IRRC (Independent Regulatory Review Commission) by April 14, IRRC can finalize them at its May 15 meeting. Following that, it would be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as final.

Also in Pennsylvania, the PACE Program issued a update regarding manufacturers who, effective April 14, will no longer have their products reimbursed by PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly).

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:51:39-04:00March 20, 2025|Pennsylvania|

South Dakota

Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed SB 154, legislation prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers from interfering in contracts between 340B entities and pharmacies and providing a 340B entity or a pharmacy may file a civil action against a pharmaceutical manufacturer for a violation and may request injunctive relief, actual and consequential damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:50:57-04:00March 20, 2025|South Dakota|

Tennessee

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) expires April 1. The Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) recently learned that the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) does not plan to renew this program beyond the April 1 deadline. Pharmacies are encouraged to use the Healthcare Ready fact sheets to learn how they can best assist their eligible patients while EPAP funding is still available.

Also in Tennessee, TennCare has enhanced reimbursement rates for its Diaper Benefit Program, creating new revenue opportunities for participating pharmacies. Effective February 15, maximum allowable cost (MAC) rates increased for diaper brands on the covered product list, and since February 28, pharmacies have been able to submit claims for private-label and “unlisted” diapers using a Generic Diaper UPC. Diaper program updates provide higher reimbursements, greater inventory flexibility and increased foot traffic for pharmacies statewide.

Finally in Tennessee, the Department of Health is urging clinicians to identify, isolate and inform people regarding suspected measles cases. Immediately report cases by phone at 615-741-7247. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there have been 222 cases of measles across 12 states during 2025 alone, including three identified outbreaks and one pediatric death.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:50:17-04:00March 20, 2025|Tennessee|

Texas

The highly contagious measles virus continues to spread in the unvaccinated populations in eleven counties. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that there are currently 279 confirmed measles cases and two deaths since late January.

Also in Texas, March 14 was the bill filing deadline. In total, 5,646 bills have been filed in the House of Representatives and 3,028 in the Senate.

Also in Texas, HB 4051, legislation allowing test-and-treat for certain minor ailments, was filed by Rep. James Frank (R).

Finally in Texas, HB 4533, critical pharmacy legislation that would require a transparent reimbursement methodology for prescription drugs dispensed in Medicaid and state-funded programs, was introduced by Rep. Tom Oliverson, MD, (R).

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:49:07-04:00March 20, 2025|Texas|

Virginia

SB 875 and HB 2610 are now on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) desk. The bills require the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to contract a single PBM to manage the pharmacy benefit under Medicaid Managed Care. Additionally, they would streamline the program and require pass-through pricing and reasonable pharmacy reimbursement. NACDS is currently engaged in both grassroots and grasstops campaigns with members and partners to urge the Governor to sign the bills. The Governor’s deadline to act is midnight on March 24.

Also in Virginia, the Department of Health released a clinician letter outlining requirements for reporting COVID test results.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:48:12-04:00March 20, 2025|Virginia|

Washington

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is meeting on March 27. The agenda, meeting materials and Zoom information was posted on their website. The rules workshop will review the draft Proposed Utilization of Pharmacy Ancillary Personnel Rule Language, which amends WAC 246-945-001, 246-945-315, 246-945-317, 246-945-320, to clarify the utilization of pharmacy ancillary personnel and technology within the pharmacy.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:47:10-04:00March 20, 2025|Washington|

Wisconsin

On March 19, NACDS sponsored and participated in the Pharmacists Society of Wisconsin’s lobby day. Legislative leaders spoke to the group collectively in the morning, and pharmacists met with all legislators in their offices in the afternoon. The primary objective was to ask for support for a new bill, Cole’s Act, aimed at reforming PBMs, a critical step toward ensuring fair drug pricing, increasing transparency for healthcare purchasers and alleviating workforce challenges in the healthcare sector.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

Erica Joyner2025-03-20T15:46:21-04:00March 20, 2025|Wisconsin|

Alabama

The Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) provides full Medicaid benefits for eligible pregnant individuals during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum. Medicaid does not require positive confirmatory pregnancy testing for maternity Medicaid coverage.

Pregnant individuals may apply for Medicaid programs using the single streamlined Medicaid application.

Online application (fast service),
Paper application (mailed to Medicaid),
Phone application by calling the Recipient Call Center at 1-800-362-1504 (toll-free), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm or
In-person application at a local county health department, a federally qualified health care center (FQHC), the regional Alabama Coordinated Health Network (ACHN) or some local hospitals.

For questions related to maternity Medicaid eligibility, providers may contact Gainwell Technologies at 1-800-688-7989.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Erica Joyner2025-03-13T16:00:21-04:00March 13, 2025|Alabama|