California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The House Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing this week on SB 26-032, legislation that passed the Senate earlier this month. The bill strengthens access to pharmacy vaccine services and codifies Board of Pharmacy rules regarding pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines. NACDS submitted a statement supporting the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Illinois
Effective December 31, 2025, generic Novolog (insulin aspart) and generic Tresiba (insulin degludec) vials and pens were discontinued by the manufacturer. In response, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has moved the brand name Humalog (insulin lispro) products to preferred status and will continue to maintain the generic insulin lispro and brand name Lantus (insulin glargine) products as preferred on the Preferred Drug List (PDL).
To ensure that interruption in treatment is avoided, pharmacies are encouraged to contact the patient's doctor to request a change to a preferred rapid acting insulin agent. Pharmacies may continue to dispense generic insulin until stock is exhausted.
Also in Illinois, effective April 15, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will once again designate Contour Plus Blue blood glucose meters and test strips as preferred agents on the Preferred Drug List (PDL). In the Provider Notice issued 10/24/2025, prior authorization was temporarily removed for the non-preferred brands, OneTouch, Accu-Chek and FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose test strips due to shortages of Contour Plus Blue products. Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has been in communication with Ascensia Diabetes Care, the manufacturer of Contour Plus Blue products, which has confirmed that the out-of-stock issues experienced last year have been rectified.
If Illinois Medicaid customers received OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose strips since October 24, 2025, a new prescription is required to change over to the Contour Plus Blue products. Prior authorization is necessary for OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle products.
This change will apply to Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.
Also in Illinois, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) announced the availability of an online application for the Pharmacy Assistance Program. Supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, IRMA will provide direct payments to qualifying pharmacies in the state to increase the availability of pharmacy services in the state's underserved communities. Details about the application and qualifications can be found by clicking the button below. Pharmacies are encouraged to apply soon as the application period closes at midnight on March 31. For questions regarding the program or the application, please email info@irma.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Kansas
The Senate approved, by a vote of 32-8, legislation that NACDS supports that would regulate PBMs. SB 360, the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, defines auditing procedures, outlines reporting requirements and enhances enforcement authority by allowing for compliance and financial examinations. The bill was sent to the House for further consideration.
Also in Kansas, the House of Representatives approved by a vote of 95-27, HB 2676, legislation expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. The bill allows for the initiation of therapy, including medication and durable medical equipment, under certain circumstances and requires pharmacists who independently initiate therapy to maintain professional liability insurance. The bill has been referred to the Senate for further consideration.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Nevada
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a two-day meeting in Las Vegas on March 4 and 5.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
New York
The State Department of Health’s NYRx Education & Outreach (E&O) team held a webinar on February 25 focusing on different areas of the Medicaid Pharmacy Program. The customized webinar was directed toward pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy staff who care for the state’s Medicaid members and covered several topics, including pharmacy enrollment, coordination of benefits and billing guidance. The session was held as part of a series, which will extend through March, occurring Wednesdays, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET. Registration is required to join. To register, select a date and click the link to register.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Ohio
Gainwell Technologies, the Medicaid Single PBM (SPBM), announced effective April 1 brand Suboxone will transition to non-preferred status and will require Prior Authorization (PA). Generic buprenorphine/naloxone will remain Preferred (No PA Required). The announcement further encouraged pharmacies to ensure they have advance supplies of the preferred product to manage this utilization shift without patient interruption.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following Temporary Rule and Protocols:
February 25, 2026, Temporary Rule Noticed
- Div 115 – Services: Prescribing – Pursuant to Protocol *Effective 2/25/2026
Email all rulemaking related inquiries to pharmacy.rulemaking@bop.oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The primary election is on March 3.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.