NACDS, jointly with the California Retailers Association and the California Pharmacists Association sent Gov. Gavin Newsome (D) a letter requesting no further delays in the April 1, 2021, planned implementation of the Medi-Cal Rx program. In the letter, we questioned why some providers continue to seem ill-prepared given the nearly two years of lead time given all the collaboration and planning that has been taking place. Further, we stated that both patients and providers are counting on a benefit that is easier to navigate, improves access to pharmacies, and improves California’s drug-price negotiating power. Despite these efforts, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) subsequently announced that the transition of Medi-Cal pharmacy services from managed care to fee-for-service is being delayed again and will NOT occur on April 1, 2021, due to the need to review conflict avoidance protocols with respect to the Centene acquisition of Magellan. DHCS stated that they plan to announce further info in May. More information on the announcement can be found here.

Also in California, CalAIM is a multi-year initiative by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of Californians by implementing broad delivery system, program, and payment reform across Medi-Cal. The DHCS released for public comment draft requirements documents for two components of CalAIM, (1) Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and (2) In Lieu of Services (ILOS). More information can be found on the CalAIM webpage. The public comment ends on March 12, 2021. Comments should be submitted to CalAIMECMILOS@dhcs.ca.gov.

Also in California, The Board of Pharmacy’s Enforcement and Compounding Committee held a virtual meeting on February 18 on white bagging. More information on the meeting can be found here.

Lastly in California, effective February 2, the state Department of Justice issued a final rule amending provisions on access to and use of the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES), a database of Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in the state.

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