Illinois
The Illinois Pharmacists Association has created a dedicated web page pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Iowa
The Iowa state legislature suspended its session for a minimum of thirty days as of March 16th out of concern for the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy issued guidance for pharmacies with limited supplies of compounding garb.
Also in Iowa… A reminder that the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise’s cost of dispensing survey is due March 26, 2020. For more information, please see this Information Letter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced it will delay the upcoming Cost of Dispensing survey. Mercer has contacted pharmacies with additional information. In addition, the March 20, 2020 webinar has been canceled.
Also in Minnesota… The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy has issued a Frequently Asked Questions document in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
In the wake of COVID-19, Missouri’s MOHealthNet shared several temporary pharmacy provisions in this presentation. This information is in addition to the March 13 Pharmacy Early Refill bulletin. The Board of Pharmacy has issued this special bulletin. The Missouri Pharmacy Association announced its April 1 Legislative Day is canceled.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Medicaid program announced it will allow temporary one-time early refills. For more information, please see the recent bulletin. As of March 16th, the Unicameral is adjourned until reconevened by the Speaker.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
South Dakota
South Dakota Medicaid reminds providers that retail pharmacy calls are handled by OptumRx and are not impacted by state office closures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Wisconsin
Below is information taken from a recent Wisconsin ForwardHealth update in response to COVID-19:
- Effective March 20, 2020, Forward Health is allowing providers to override the overuse precaution (early refill or ER) prospective drug utilization review (DUR) alert for all drugs, except for controlled substances that are currently listed on the Drug Authorization and Policy Override Center Early Refill Drugs list.
- Providers are encouraged to dispense drugs in a three-month supply when possible, using the three-month supply drugs table.
- In emergency situations, pharmacy providers are able to dispense a 14-day emergency supply of a drug when a member receives a prescription for a covered drug with prior authorization restrictions. Drugs dispensed in emergency situations do not require prior authorization. Providers should review the Expedited Emergency Supply Request Drugs table for additional information.
- Providers and members are also encouraged to consider mail delivery services for prescription drugs. Wisconsin Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies are permitted to dispense and deliver prescription or over-the-counter medication to members via the mail when program requirements for coverage are met.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
California
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services is having a hearing on March 23, 2020 to consider a State Budget request requiring the Medi-Cal program to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for adult Medi-Cal beneficiaries with diabetes. Last session, similar legislation passed but was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
March 30, 2020 is the deadline for all technicians to be certified with the Board of Pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.