Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2507 blog entries.

Indiana

Earlier this year, pharmacies successfully passed SB 140, legislation that included a provision tying the commercial dispensing fee rates to Medicaid’s fee-for-service (FFS) rates as a minimum floor. Unfortunately, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced last week that, based on the results of a recent cost of dispensing survey, Medicaid plans to reduce the dispensing fee by 8%, lowering it from $10.48 to $9.63, effective March 1, 2026. NACDS will submit comments by September 19 deadline and encourages members to do so as well.

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

Michael Silber2025-08-29T12:11:42-04:00August 29, 2025|Indiana|

Maine

On August 26, the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Bureau of Insurance, held a hearing on proposed rule change to define and prohibit spread pricing. NACDS attended the hearing and submitted testimony in support of the proposed changes. Additional written comments are due by September 9 at 4:00 p.m. and should be addressed to: Karma Lombard, Maine Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 or Karma.Y.Lombard@maine.gov.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2025-08-29T12:11:14-04:00August 29, 2025|Maine|

Maryland

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board published a notice that they will be holding two Zoom informational hearings on September 3 to receive input, information and opinions from the public and stakeholders to assist the Board in developing policy to address the affordability challenges created by the use of Farxiga and Jardiance. Details are available in the notice.

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

Also in Maryland, on August 27, the Insurance Administration (MIA) and Medicaid hosted the inaugural meeting of a workgroup to study PBM practices in both Medicaid and the commercial market. NACDS is serving on the panel, which already has four meetings scheduled for this fall. The department leads presented slides outlining the workgroup composition, schedule, expectations, goals and timeline.

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

Michael Silber2025-08-29T12:10:37-04:00August 29, 2025|Maryland|

Massachusetts

In this month’s Pharmacy Facts, published by MassHealth, they provided an update to the vaccine administration fee.

In accordance with 101 CMR 317.03(5): Allowable Fee for Certain Eligible Providers, payment for services provided by pharmacies that utilize pharmacists, or other health care professionals certified in accordance with 105 CMR 700.00: Implementation of M.G.L. c. 94C, is 85% of the allowable fee set forth in 101 CMR 317.04: Maximum Allowable Fees – Medical Services.

Following the pricing methodology cited above, for pharmacies that utilize pharmacists, or other health care professionals certified in accordance with 105 CMR 700.00: Implementation of M.G.L. c. 94C, the administration fee for vaccines other than COVID-19 is $17.38. The administration fee for COVID-19 vaccines is $38.21. Starting August 22, these rates were reflected on all such claims.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2025-08-29T12:09:59-04:00August 29, 2025|Massachusetts|

New York

On August 21, NYRx, the New York State Medicaid Prescription Drug Program, announced an update to its Preferred Drug Program (PDP).

Also in New York, the State Department of Health Office of Health Insurance Programs released a Medicaid update. This update includes a reminder of 90-day prescriptions for most maintenance medications and OTC drugs. The update also includes a notice that NYRx now accepts electronic prior authorizations through CoverMyMeds.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

Michael Silber2025-08-29T12:09:24-04:00August 29, 2025|New York|

Alaska

The Board of Pharmacy’s next quarterly meeting will be held virtually only on August 21. The Zoom log-in information, tentative agenda and public meeting packet are available on the board’s webpage. The public will need to register in advance using the link provided on the agenda. If you plan to testify on a subject, you must select “yes” in the questions when registering.

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

Michael Silber2025-08-15T11:12:47-04:00August 15, 2025|Alaska|

California

The Department of Health Care Service posted the following alert on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: Now Active: Changes to Remittance Advice.

Also in California, continuing collaborative efforts, the Board of Pharmacy and the Veterinary Medical Board are working to schedule a forum for stakeholder engagement to discuss crosscutting issues. To ensure interested stakeholders are kept apprised of these efforts, the Board is establishing an interested parties list. Please email rxwebmaster@dca.ca.gov to be added to the email distribution list specific to this forum.

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

Michael Silber2025-08-15T11:12:24-04:00August 15, 2025|California|

Florida

House Speaker Danny Perez (R) has invited lawmakers to join a committee to examine potential mid-decade redistricting. Perez said the House lacks the time and resources to hold a special session but wants the committee to convene in October during the scheduled interim committee meeting period.

Also in Florida, Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) has issued an emergency rule prohibiting 7-OH, a concentrated byproduct of kratom. Physicians caution that the substance is as addictive as opioids. Joining Uthmeier for the announcement, FDA Commissioner Mark Makary warned that kratom could signal the fourth wave of the opioid epidemic.

Finally, the Department of Revenue has released Tax Information Publication (TIP), titled "Sales Tax on Commercial Rentals Repealed Effective October 1, 2025." Effective October 1, the state sales tax imposed on rent or license fees for the use of real property (commercial rentals) under section 212.031, Florida Statutes (F.S.), is repealed. This means no state sales tax or discretionary sales surtax applies to rent or license fees for rental or occupancy periods beginning on or after October 1, 2025. Examples of commercial rentals subject to the repeal include rentals of commercial office or retail space, warehouses and self-storage units. This publication provides important guidance regarding the upcoming repeal of sales tax on commercial rentals. We encourage you to review the TIP for details on how this change may affect your business or operations.

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

Michael Silber2025-08-15T11:11:58-04:00August 15, 2025|Florida|

Indiana

The Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) posted several important provider bulletins of interest to pharmacies:

BT2025117 – Pharmacy updates approved by the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning August 2025 on Ordering, Prescribing or Referring; Pharmacy/Prescribing, Physician/Practitioner

BT2025112 – Pharmacy updates approved by Drug Utilization Review Board July 2025

BT2025107 – Final Notice: Gainwell mail forwarding expired on August 1, 2025

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

Michael Silber2025-08-15T11:11:08-04:00August 15, 2025|Indiana|