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So far Michael Silber has created 2722 blog entries.

California

The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:    

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:  

  • June 2026 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin  
  • June 2026 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin  

Also in California, Medi-Cal Rx appreciates your continued partnership and support in ensuring the continuity of care for members. Medi-Cal staff are requesting stakeholder feedback regarding the services provided by the Resolution Team (also known as the Special Population and Managed Care Plan Clinical Liaison Team). Participation in the Stakeholder Survey for the Resolution Team will help with efforts for continuous process and quality improvement. Please submit your responses no later than July 19. 

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

2026-07-10T12:30:22-04:00July 10, 2026|California|

Colorado

Medicaid eligibility requirements for some Health First Colorado members will change significantly because of federal legislation, H.R. 1. To help community partners understand the changes and help keep eligible members covered, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing launched a new Toolkit and will host a Medicaid Work Requirements Webinar on July 21.

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

2026-07-10T12:29:39-04:00July 10, 2026|Colorado|

Florida

Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a Civil Investigative Demand to CVS Health Corporation, owner of both the Caremark pharmacy benefit manager and hundreds of CVS retail pharmacies in Florida. The probe examines whether CVS/Caremark steers patients to its own locations, reimburses its affiliated stores more generously than independent pharmacies for identical prescriptions, imposes burdensome audits that claw back payments and enforces restrictive contracts that threaten small businesses. Such practices allegedly contribute to pharmacy closures and "pharmacy deserts," leaving families and seniors with fewer options and higher costs. The Civil Investigative Demand requires thousands of documents and sworn testimony on reimbursement rates, pharmacy contracts, patient steering, audits, rebates, differential treatment of own versus independent stores and expansion plans. Compliance is required by July 28. 

Also in Florida, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care annual open enrollment (OE) season begins October 1 and ends November 30 for all enrollees in all regions. During open enrollment, enrollees may choose a different managed care plan or remain with their current plans. Enrollees will begin receiving OE reminder letters in July. All OE mailings will be completed by September 30. Beginning October 1, enrollees can request a plan change using one of the methods below. All plan changes requested will become effective on December 1.  

  • Text ENROLL to FLSMMC (357662). Enrollees will need the Medicaid ID number of each member and the account PIN number. 
  • Call 1-877-711-3662 to speak with a Choice Counselor. 

Finally in Florida, the state's 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on July 20 and ends on August 20. Participation is mandatory. Retailers cannot opt out of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. 

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

2026-07-10T12:29:10-04:00July 10, 2026|Florida|

Idaho

The Idaho Retailers Association is gathering information for a new initiative that could benefit pharmacies and patients. The Idaho Medical Association is working with the American Medical Association on an awareness initiative regarding a Medicaid covered benefit: Self-Measured Blood Pressure for adults, including blood pressure cuffs from the validated device list. 

Their goal is to provide Idaho physicians with a list of pharmacies that are verified to carry the validated cuffs (assuming not all pharmacies carry them). Additional educational information about the campaign will be forthcoming, but the first step is to make sure everywhere in Idaho has a pharmacy nearby that can provide the device.  

Please answer the following three questions at your earliest convenience and email your responses to pameaton@idahoretailers.org.  

  1. Does your pharmacy carry blood pressure cuffs (for adults) from the validated device list (VDL):Devices | Validate BP
  1. Are you aware that this is aMedicaid coveredbenefit? 
  1. Will your pharmacy accept a paper prescription brought in by hand by the patient for the purpose of obtaining a validated blood pressure cuff?

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

2026-07-10T12:28:28-04:00July 10, 2026|Idaho|

Iowa

Medicaid published INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2739-FFS RE: Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes: PBA Transition to Optum Rx. Effective July 27, the Iowa Medicaid FFS pharmacy benefit administrator will transition from Change Healthcare to Optum Rx. 

Also in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult resident of central Iowa. Measles infection was acquired during international travel. This is the first measles case that has been identified in Iowa in 2026. Iowa reported a total of nine confirmed measles cases in 2025. 

Finally in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force for the purpose of eradicating Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, and ensuring funds are used to support the needs of Iowans who qualify for benefits.  

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

2026-07-10T12:27:11-04:00July 10, 2026|Iowa|

Louisiana

On July 10, NACDS honored Margo Chauvin, PharmD, of Sam's Club, as the 2026 Louisiana Chain Pharmacist of the Year at the Louisiana Pharmacy Association's annual meeting in Bossier City. Chauvin was chosen by a vote of her colleagues.  

Also in Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement new Point of Sale (POS) edits for select medications. 

Also In Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement clinical authorization for select medications.  

Also in Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement new Point of Sale (POS) diagnosis code requirements for select medications.  

Finally in Louisiana, effective July 1, the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) Pharmacy Program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in consultation with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board, will implement new Point of Sale (POS) quantity limits.  

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

2026-07-10T12:26:04-04:00July 10, 2026|Louisiana|

Maryland

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board's next meeting is scheduled for July 27 at 9:00 am. Part of the meeting may be conducted in closed session. This meeting will be held remotely. To attend virtually, please register here. 

Also in Maryland, the Medicaid Office of Pharmacy Services posted a new issue of Pharmacy News & Views, with PDL updates effective July 1, 2026.  

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

2026-07-10T12:25:33-04:00July 10, 2026|Maryland|
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