The Board of Pharmacy scheduled a special meeting on December 7 to review public comments received for the most recent publicly noticed regulations project, continue the discussion on unexpected closures of pharmacies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Insurance Commissioner issued a Bulletin #20-2023 defining business days and hours in the Prior Authorization Transparency Act.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following alerts, weekly notices, and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the “Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice”; rates will be effective January 1, 2024, and will be posted to the Mercer Med-Cal Rx website no later than December 1, 2023. Also note the “Commercial COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage for Children” alert providing an updated policy whereby COVID-19 vaccines are a Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy benefit for members three years of age and older.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy provided this important alert and reminder to licensees about the drug xylazine.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Jared Polis (D) convened a special session in mid-November to address property taxes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) Quarterly Pharmacy Stakeholders meeting will take place on December 19 and 20. A virtual meeting link is available by RSVP’ing to allison.williams@primetherapeutics.com no later than December 18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued a bulletin reminding pharmacy providers to submit claims with the appropriate DAW codes.
Also in Indiana, after four interim legislative hearings, the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force issued a report with seven recommendations for legislation, including increasing transparency and prohibiting spread pricing by PBMs, third parties and insurers.
Finally in Indiana, the IHCP Bulletin 2023168 provides informational updates on the November Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health (LDH) issued a report detailing the results of key initiatives and policy goals for five major categories designed to make measurable improvements:
Also in Louisiana, LDH issued a bulletin outlining the available options to providers for pursuing claims resolutions and appeals of issues with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) and the state’s fee-for-service claims processor, Gainwell Technologies.
Also in Louisiana, LDH issued a revised bulletin with added information on provider enrollment.
Also in Louisiana, LDH announced an 11% decline in new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses over the past five years. As of June 2023, the number of individuals living with HIV in Louisiana stands at 22,920.
Finally in Louisiana, LDH issued a memorandum announcing that diabetic supplies will be added to the Medicaid Single Preferred Drug List to be reimbursed as pharmacy claims only effective December 1, 2023.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Stakeholder Council will be held remotely at 2:00 PM on Mon. December 18, 2023, and is open to all stakeholders. The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the Stakeholder Council page prior to the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details about joining the meeting. To register for in-person comments, please refer to the Stakeholder Council page. You can find more information about upcoming and previous meetings of the Board and the Council, and presentation materials on the PDAB website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy issued the following orders:
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.