NACDS submitted a comment letter to the Department of Health regarding the March 2025 Cost of Dispensing survey results from Myers and Stauffer citing a drop in the average cost of dispensing a Medicaid prescription.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed HB 2628 (Chapter 32), legislation permitting pharmacists to order and administer emergency medication to manage an acute allergic reaction to a medication administered at the pharmacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy posted information for the following meetings:
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following weekly notices, alerts, and monthly bulletin on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note effective April 25, Medi-Cal Rx will complete implementation of Pediatric Integration by reinstating Reject Code 75 – Prior Authorization Required for all continuation of therapy claims for members 21 years of age and younger; see alert below for details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alex Adams, former executive director of the Board of Pharmacy, has been tapped to serve as the US Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary for family support. The US Senate, which confirms presidential nominations, received his nomination. The State Legislature introduced a House Joint Memorial No. 8 to honor his work in the state.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) issued Bulletin202538 providing updates to the Point-of-Sale Quick Check (PSQC) automated prior authorization (PA) system, PA criteria, mental health utilization edits, Statewide Uniform Preferred Drug List (SUPDL) and Preferred Brand Drug List.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) announced the selection of Matthew Pitlick, PharmD, BCPS, as its next Executive Vice President & CEO. Since its founding in 1880, Pitlick will serve as IPA’s ninth Chief Executive Officer. Matthew Pitlick is a graduate of Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Pitlick served as clinical faculty at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, MO, for eight years before returning to his home state of Iowa. In 2018, Pitlick completed a one-year fellowship in Association Management with IPA. Dr. Pitlick will begin his service as incoming CEO on April 28, allowing for a brief overlap with Kate Gainer, PharmD, who will conclude her service as IPA’s CEO on June 6.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Medicaid, is encouraging pharmacy providers to participate in a Myers and Stauffer pharmacy cost of dispensing survey. Responses are due April 23. The survey results will be used to evaluate the costs associated with dispensing medications in the Medicaid pharmacy program. To help prepare pharmacies to participate in the survey, Myers and Stauffer will be conducting an informational online seminar at 3:00 pm Central Time on April 8, presenting details about the survey process, discussing what information is being requested and answering questions regarding the survey form. Attendance at one of the online seminar sessions requires a reservation. Please call 800-374-6858 or email disp_survey@mslc.com for a reservation and further meeting details. For additional details and links to the survey, please visit the website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On March 30, MaineCare provided notice regarding the financial status of the state and its need to temporarily withhold reimbursement. Relevant from the notice:
For the payment cycle that will run on April 2, we will continue to take only the following actions, consistent with the approach for the previous three payment cycles:
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s (PDAB’s) Stakeholder Council will meet virtually April 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm. The agenda and other meeting materials will be available on the Stakeholder Council page of the PDAB’s website prior to the scheduled meeting. You must register in advance for the meeting link.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
