Wyoming
The Wyoming Retail Association testified in opposition to House Bill 143’s requirements to implement importation. Amendments to the bill turn it into a study.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alaska
The Alaska Medicaid will hold a “scoping session” Friday, February 21, 2020 to discuss, among other pharmacy issues, the results of the recent cost of dispensing study and a timeline for including pharmacists as providers in the Medicaid portal. The meeting will be from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Alaska Standard Time. A copy of the notice can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) announced that after a nationwide search, they hired former state legislator Susan Bonilla as their new President and Chief Executive Officer to run the largest statewide pharmacy association.
Also in California... The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced that they will not resume retroactive adjustments beginning February 10, 2020. The recoupment of pharmacy retroactive claim adjustments is paused until further notice.
Also in California... Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) named primary care doctor and former CEO for the Inland Empire Health Plan Bradley Gilbert as director of the state Department of Health Care Services, which administers California’s $104 billion Medi-Cal program. Gilbert will take over for Richard Figueroa, who will transition back to his primary role as deputy cabinet secretary.
Also in California... The Department of Health Care Services is hosting its third Medi-Cal Rx Public Forum in Sacramento on February 18, 2020 from 2- 3 PM to engage stakeholders in discussions on the Governor’s Executive Order N-01-19 which requires DHCS to transition pharmacy services for Medi-Cal managed care to fee-for-service (FFS) by January 1, 2021. DHCS will provide status updates about Medi-Cal Rx implementation activities and timelines. Please note that DHCS will only take questions and comments from those participants attending in person. Participants may also choose to join the meeting via webinar. To register for Medi-Cal Rx Public Forum February 18, 2020. For questions and/or comments, please email RxCarveOut@dhcs.ca.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
Legislative Day at the Capitol in Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Also in Colorado... The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) provided an update on the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Benefit 1115 Waiver demonstration application pending at CMS. HCPF is also in the process of pursuing a State Plan Amendment to include residential and inpatient SUD treatment and withdrawal management services in Medicaid. HCPF convened the SUD Implementation Workgroup meeting in mid-January to discuss various issues including utilization management, care coordination, provider enrollment/billing, capacity development, provider training and support, etc., that need to be addressed prior to the introduction in July 2020 of Medicaid coverage for new SUD treatment benefits. For more information, go to the SUD website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Iowa Pharmacy Association issued a call to action for HSB 583, legislation expanding pharmacist immunization authority and statewide protocols for strep and flu, asking members living in the districts of the House Human Resources Committee to contact their legislators in support of the bill. NACDS submitted this letter to Committee leadership.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Louisiana
The Department of Health’s Medicaid Pharmacy Program announced that effective March 2020, MCOs will add a lock-in component.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maine
NACDS supported the Retail Association of Maine legislative reception which focused on pending legislation including drug disposal and drug importation initiatives.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services announced it would scrap its proposal. NACDS strongly supported the proposal and is engaging with in-state partners about potential next steps.
Also in Michigan… the Board of Pharmacy Rules Committee Work Group will meet on March 6 to discuss Pharmacy General Rules, Pharmacy Technician rules, and Animal Euthanasia and Sedation Rules. More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
The Department of Human Services announced that its State Plan Amendment was approved for the reimbursement methodology per the CMS Covered Outpatient Drugs Rule that became effective in Minnesota on July 1, 2019.
Also in Minnesota… the Minnesota Pharmacists Association is looking for co-chairs of its Professional and Organizational Affairs Committee. As described by MPhA, “This committee is working on a variety of professional and organizational issues to ensure that we are implementing legislation and providing guidance to the organization to continue to improve and follow the MPhA bylaws.” For more information, please contact sarahd@mpha.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.