Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2781 blog entries.

Texas

On May 20, the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board convened to review and approve staff recommendations for the upcoming TPI Business Plan, due June 1. The Board also heard updates from the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Advisory Council (TPIAC) and representatives from covered agencies regarding activities related to pharmaceutical procurement and management. Finally, they discussed feedback collected by TPI staff from external stakeholders about the TPI Business Plan's implementation.

Also in Texas, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet on May 27 to hear invited testimony on several interim charges related to rising healthcare insurance costs. The Committee will examine provider models for health care services, including, but not limited to, PBMs and health care facility fees, to determine whether these business practices are contributing to increased health care costs and insurance premiums. The Committee aims to identify strategies to lower health care costs and increase market flexibility, considering additional offerings such as Health Savings Accounts and new flexible plans.

Also in Texas, the House Select Committee conducted two days of hearings, featuring invited testimony, to evaluate the key drivers of health care costs. These included statutory, regulatory and administrative burdens, as well as the effects of fraud, waste and abuse. The Committee also examined how insurance design, cost sharing, market structure and payment policies affect consumers and employers, with particular attention to how consolidation influences patient choice, market competition and the pricing and value of health care services.

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

Michael Silber2026-05-22T08:39:02-04:00May 22, 2026|Texas|

Vermont

The Legislature passed H.588 on May 19 to expand pharmacist test and treat authority across three conditions – Flu, Strep and COVID. Gov. Phil Scott (R) is expected to sign the bill into law as early as next week. The legislation received significant support from NACDS and its membership operating in Vermont and was widely endorsed by numerous in-state health groups and the Vermont Department of Health Access (DVHA). DVHA has made recent references to the value of pharmacist test and treat services in its rollout of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.

Michael Silber2026-05-22T08:38:33-04:00May 22, 2026|Vermont|

Virginia

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) vetoed HB 483 and SB 271, companion bills that sought to establish a prescription drug affordability board. The Governor’s veto statement is included in her news release.

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

Michael Silber2026-05-22T08:37:50-04:00May 22, 2026|Virginia|

California

The Board of Pharmacy released its May 2026 News Roundup, providing updates on recent regulatory developments and Board activities.

Also in 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.

Michael Silber2026-05-15T12:20:32-04:00May 15, 2026|California|

Colorado

HB 26-1336, legislation NACDS supported that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services, was sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law. The bill enables children 12 years of age and under to receive test-and-treat services directly from pharmacies. It also allows pharmacy technicians, under pharmacist supervision, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.

Finally in Colorado, the General Assembly will adjourn sine die on May 13

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

Michael Silber2026-05-15T12:20:05-04:00May 15, 2026|Colorado|

Geogia

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed SB 195. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention without a prescription, subject to conditions and training requirements.

Also in Georgia, State Rep. Jon Burns (R), Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced study committee assignments, including appointments to the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medications. The committee includes several members with significant healthcare and pharmacy policy experience, including pharmacist Rep. Ron Stephens (R), who will serve as chair, along with pharmacist Rep. Butch Parrish (R), Rep. Matt Hatchett (R), Rep. Lee Hawkins (R) and Rep. Debbie Buckner (D). NACDS will continue to monitor the study committee schedule and keep members informed of developments and committee activity.

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

Michael Silber2026-05-15T12:19:31-04:00May 15, 2026|Georgia|

Idaho

On May 8, the Board of Pharmacy posted a notice of an upcoming Board member vacancy for one pharmacist member. Board members are appointed by the Governor for a five-year term and meet each quarter in-person at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses’ headquarters to conduct Board business.

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

Michael Silber2026-05-15T12:18:59-04:00May 15, 2026|Idaho|

Kansas

HB 2068, an omnibus bill incorporating key pharmacy-supported provisions from HB 2676, HB 2740, SB 322 and SB 431, passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly (D). The bill expands pharmacists’ prescribing authority under standard of care regulations and permits remote pharmacy services by pharmacy technicians.

Also in Kansas, SB 20 known as the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, was signed by Gov. Laura Kelly (D). The PBM reform bill gives the Insurance Commissioner increased enforcement authority to regulate PBMs, establishes a rate floor of NADAC plus the Medicaid professional dispensing fee rate of at least $10.50 for all pharmacies, mandates that drug rebates pass through to health plans and bans spread pricing.

Finally in Kansas, the Department of Health and Environment (Medicaid) issued a provider bulletin 26030 announcing the adult immunizations reimbursement rate increased on 14 vaccinations, effective April 1, 2026.

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

Michael Silber2026-05-15T12:18:30-04:00May 15, 2026|Kansas|

Louisiana

SB 401, legislation that creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) within the Department of Insurance to improve transparency and control drug prices, passed the Senate and was referred to the House for further action. The bill requires an annual report on drug pricing trends and highlights drugs with high prices relative to other states, countries and their own production and research costs, thereby increasing accountability and guiding state healthcare policy.

Also in Louisiana, HB 1236, legislation that passed the House, requires PBMs to reimburse independent pharmacies using the NADAC and a professional dispensing fee, at least equal to the state’s Medicaid dispensing fee. The bill was amended on the Senate floor last week. NACDS is working on an amendment so that the rate floor reimbursement includes our members.

Finally in Louisiana, another PBM reform bill, HB 938, passed the House and was referred to the Senate Insurance Committee. The bill requires PBMs to reimburse local pharmacies at least their drug acquisition cost plus a Medicaid-level dispensing fee, bans below-cost payments and prohibits increasing patient copays after claims are processed. The law also requires PBMs to share claim data with regulators and is retroactive to January 1, 2026.

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

Michael Silber2026-05-15T12:18:00-04:00May 15, 2026|Louisiana|