Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2722 blog entries.

Massachusetts

The Division of Insurance published final regulations related to the Licensing and Regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers – 211 CMR 157. The Division accepted the NACDS and Massachusetts Chain Pharmacy Council’s proposed amendment to require PBMs to disclose any common ownership interest with an insurance carrier. The release of the final regulation, which is effective March 13, aligns with ongoing work in the Massachusetts Legislature to consider additional PBM reform initiatives.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:35:32-04:00March 27, 2026|Massachusetts|

Minnesota

The Department of Human Services informed NACDS that implementation of the Medicaid Managed Care Single PBM will be delayed a year to January 1, 2028. They stated that the decision stems from recent discussions during the final stages of the RFP process, where it became clear that more time was needed to complete necessary processes and seek federal approvals.

Also in Minnesota, the Department of Human Services (DHS) asked NACDS to urge any pharmacy that has not yet responded to the Cost of Dispensing Survey to please do so ASAP. The survey is mandatory, and the overall response rate is currently lower than usual. The survey and related documents can be found on DHS' Cost of Dispensing webpage. Please note that the survey will help determine the Professional Dispensing Fee under both the Single PBM and the Medicaid fee-for-service programs. 

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:35:00-04:00March 27, 2026|Minnesota|

Missouri

SB 878 was amended and passed the Senate on March 23. The bill expands pharmacist scope authority for CLIA-waived tests and allows prescribing of certain types of medical equipment. It also enhances the Board of Pharmacy’s authority to allow pharmacies to dispense medications during a declared emergency. In addition, it would allow the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with a warning label, once the FDA authorizes them for over-the-counter dispensing. The bill was sent the House of Representatives for further action.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:34:14-04:00March 27, 2026|Missouri|

North Dakota

REMINDER: Cost of Dispensing surveys are due on March 31. Please visit the website to find the electronic version of the survey, instructional letter and other important documents. For assistance, please contact the Myers & Stauffer help desk via email at disp_survey@mslc.com or by phone at 1-800-591-1183.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:33:34-04:00March 27, 2026|North Dakota|

Ohio

Gainwell Technologies, the Single PBM for Medicaid, announced that effective April 1, per Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5160-1-01, products will only be covered if they are determined to be medically necessary. Concurrent pharmacy claims for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists (GLP-1s) and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (DPP-4s) will deny at point-of-sale. Affected members and prescribers have been notified of the change.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:32:59-04:00March 27, 2026|Ohio|

Oregon

The Board of Pharmacy posted the April 8-10, 2026 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials. On page 4 of the agenda, please note the Rulemaking Policy Discussion Items scheduled on April 9. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:32:25-04:00March 27, 2026|Oregon|

Pennsylvania

SB 1186 and HB 2270, companion bills that would reform the Medicaid Managed Care pharmacy benefit under a Single PBM model, have been introduced by Senators Lisa Boscola (D) and Judy Ward (R) and Representatives Rob Matzie (D) and Katie Klunk (R), respectively. NACDS assisted in drafting the bills and is working jointly with the PA Pharmacy Coalition to advance them.

Also in Pennsylvania, the pharmacy technician registration deadline is approaching. To continue practicing, all pharmacy technicians must complete their registrations with Board of Pharmacy through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) by June 28.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:31:47-04:00March 27, 2026|Pennsylvania|

South Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is reminding providers about the April 1 effective date for the change to the agency’s 340B drug program billing polices previously announced in bulletin MB #26-004. As a reminder, this change applies to providers who purchase physician-administered drugs through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s 340B drug pricing program. This policy change only applies to services rendered on or after April 1 to Healthy Connections Medicaid members in an outpatient setting who are enrolled in the Medicaid fee-for-service program.

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:31:10-04:00March 27, 2026|South Carolina|

South Dakota

Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed SB 14, legislation adding a new section to the pharmacy practice act permitting a licensed pharmacy to utilize a remote drop site to deliver prescription drugs to patients under specified conditions. There are additional provisions in the bill related to the pharmacist-in-charge and pharmacy licensure. 

Also in South Dakota, Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed HB 1044, legislation appropriating funds to implement the Rural Health Transformation Program. 

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

Michael Silber2026-03-27T09:30:39-04:00March 27, 2026|South Dakota|