The Cost of Dispensing Survey has been completed, and the current Professional Dispensing Fee (PDF) of $10.24 will remain unchanged. While the survey included a review of uncollected copayments, over 85% of participating pharmacy providers did not submit data in response to the copayment-related questions. As a result, this factor did not influence the final determination of the PDF.

Also in North Carolina, the Department of Medicaid recently received questions regarding Medicaid beneficiaries who cannot pay pharmacy copays for medication. A provider cannot refuse to provide services if a beneficiary cannot pay a copay at the time of service. The issue is addressed in Pharmacy Policy 9 under section 5.5 Copayments. An eligible Medicaid beneficiary, who receives prescribed drugs, is required to make a copayment of $4.00 for each prescription received unless they are exempt for one of the reasons listed in Subsection 5.5.2. A provider may not deny services to any Medicaid beneficiary because of the individual’s inability to pay a deductible, coinsurance or copayment amount. A provider may not willfully discount copays for a Medicaid beneficiary, and an individual’s inability to pay does not eliminate his or her liability for the cost sharing charge. The provider shall open an account for the beneficiary, collect the amount owed later and document all attempts to collect the copay.

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