NACDS reminds members that Medicaid has recently expanded its list of maintenance medications eligible to be filled with a 90-day supply. Medicaid-covered patients are eligible for the long fills after receiving two 34-day or shorter fills of drugs on the list.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The legislature convened on January 9, 2023.
Also in Washington, legislation creating a new stand-alone chapter for regulating PBMs was filed this week. SB 5213 and HB 1253 were designed by the Office of the Insurance Commission (IOC) and the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) to regulate PBMs directly regardless of whether the contract is with a state-regulated plan or a self-funded plan. The bill prohibits requiring the use of mail-order pharmacies (except for specialty drugs), reimbursing pharmacies below costs and excluding pharmacies from the network.
Also in Washington, the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) Legislative Days are January 25 and February 13. These events will allow all pharmacists, pharmacy students and pharmacy technicians from all practice settings to connect with legislators and colleagues across the state.
Also in Washington, the Health Care Authority recently updated its provider billing guides and fee schedules for Apple Health (Medicaid).
Finally in Washington, the Department of Health (DOH) is developing a campaign in 2023 to encourage families to catch up on immunizations. To accomplish this goal, DOH is surveying health care providers for guidance on what materials and resources are needed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Last week, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced plans for the reinstatement of prior authorization and the retirement of the transition policy taking place in a series of phases… II, III and IV. A webpage has been developed for “Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement” that includes information about the timeline, key days, announcements and alerts and resources. If you already receive Medi-Cal Rx alerts, you will also begin to receive Reinstatement alerts. There is no need to subscribe to an additional listserv according to DHCS staff.
Also in California, the DHCS posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the reinstatement resources in New Resources for Reinstatement Education and Support.
Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following:
Finally in California, NACDS and the California Retailers Association (CRA) sent several joint letters to the Board of Pharmacy addressing issues of concern to members.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
On December 9, Gov. John Carney (D) extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE) another 30 days permitting medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. This is the 10th extension of the PHE.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy shared “Volume 4” of its newsletter. The newsletter is created on a quarterly basis and is intended to provide insights and updates on the profession of pharmacy in the state. The newsletters can be found on the GBOP website for easy access.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy adopted the following rules effective January 4, 2023:
Also in Iowa, the Board of Pharmacy published ARC 6696C as a Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 3, “Pharmacy Technicians,” Chapter 6, “General Pharmacy Practice,” Chapter 8, “Universal Practice Standards,” Chapter 18, “Centralized Prescription Filling and Processing,” Chapter 21, “Electronic Data and Automated Systems in Pharmacy Practice,” and Chapter 39, “Expanded Practice Standards.” Comments may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. on December 20.
Finally in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2405-MC-FFS announcing January 2023 Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA) is seeking nominations for two trustee Board positions for 2023-2024. Trustees serve a three-year term. Any active MPhA member in good standing is eligible for nomination and self-nomination is acceptable. Interested parties may submit their nominations online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) posted an Interim Guidance for Clinicians to Prioritize Antiviral Treatment of Influenza in the Setting of Reduced Availability of Oseltamivir, an official CDC Health Advisory.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has vetoed A7889, a bill meant to reform the Medicaid audit process. In her veto message, the Governor cited concerns about the bill preventing Medicaid from recovering legitimate overpayments and any corresponding impact on the loss of federal funds.
Also in New York, on December 20, the State Department of Health is hosting an informational online seminar for all stakeholders about the transition of the pharmacy benefit from Medicaid Managed Care to NYRx, (Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) pharmacy program). This is part of a series of recurring monthly webinars about this topic. Note that you must complete the registration form to attend. Afterward, a copy of the presentation will be posted on the transition website, where past presentations are available.
Finally in New York, Medicaid’s newsletter from November includes a section on pharmacy dispensing/prescribing of emergency contraceptives.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.