Michael Silber, Author at In The States

Washington

NACDS provided comments in advance of the Washington State House Health Care and Wellness Committee’s December 1 workshop meeting on “Pharmacy Benefit Manager Impacts on Prescription Drug Cost and Regulatory Developments.” In our letter, NACDS urged legislative action to curb harmful pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices including patient-steering, limiting pharmacies’ participation in provider networks and reimbursement practices that result in below-cost reimbursement to pharmacy providers.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2022-12-09T11:12:18-05:00December 9, 2022|Washington|

Alabama

All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of December 31, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. Medicaid is preparing now for the end of the COVID-19 PHE. Medicaid partners can assist in relaying a consistent and simple message to the Medicaid recipients by sharing key messages from the Agency in your newsletters, social media posts and other means of communication.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:17:45-05:00November 18, 2022|Alabama|

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.

45-Day Countdown – Cal MediConnect Transition to Medicare Medi-Cal Plans (November 16)
Update to Policy and Billing Guidance for Pharmacy Providers on COVID-19 Oral Antiviral, Paxlovid (November 11)
Policy and Payment Allowance Update for Provider-Purchased Bebtelovimab for Treatment of COVID-19 (November 11)
Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for November 4-10 (November 11)
NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs) Reject Code 80 and Diagnosis Documentation of Code 1 Restriction (November 9)
Changes to the Family PACT Pharmacy Formulary (November 7)
Prior Authorization Required: Reject Code 75 Reminder (November 4)
Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-Up for October 28-November 3 (November 4)

Also in California, Medi-Cal posted the following: 

Medi-Cal Update – Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies – November 2022 Bulletin 566 (November 16)
Medi-Cal Update – Pharmacy – November 2022 – Bulletin 1027 (November 16)

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:16:58-05:00November 18, 2022|California|

Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis (D) named House Speaker Alec Garnett as his new chief of staff.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:16:17-05:00November 18, 2022|Colorado|

Indiana

The Indiana Health Coverage Programs will host an online seminar on December 1 to discuss provider notices published during November.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:15:39-05:00November 18, 2022|Indiana|

Iowa

The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2402-MC-FFS announcing the November Towns Halls will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Visit the website for details, including registration information.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:15:02-05:00November 18, 2022|Iowa|

Louisiana

The Board of Pharmacy held their quarterly meeting on November 17.

Also in Louisiana, Medicaid announced that another Managed Care Organization (MCO), Humana Healthy Horizons, will be added effective January 1, 2023, offering services to Medicaid recipients. The Medicaid Pharmacy Program will now consist of Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) and six managed care organizations (Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Healthy Blue, Humana Healthy Horizons, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and UnitedHealthcare).

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:14:23-05:00November 18, 2022|Louisiana|

Massachusetts

A new standing order for over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests has been developed by the Department of Public Health in accordance with M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 19A, which authorizes the issuance of standing orders for licensed pharmacists to dispense a COVID-19 control measures. This standing order is now in effect and should be utilized going forward. Please be aware that the January 14, 2022, Standing Order for Dispensing Over the Counter (OTC) Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 is no longer in effect and may no longer be used.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:13:48-05:00November 18, 2022|Massachusetts|

Minnesota

The Department of Health and published its weekly COVID Vaccine Provider Update. Please note you can also link to past updates and sign up to receive future updates in your email on the same page.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Michael Silber2022-11-18T11:13:10-05:00November 18, 2022|Minnesota|

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