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So far Michael Silber has created 2722 blog entries.

Texas

NACDS, the Texas Federation of Drug Stores (TFDS) and the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) met with Stephanie Muth, Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and her leadership team. Muth previously served as Medicaid Director during her more than 15-year tenure at HHSC, as well as holding roles as deputy executive commissioner and chief of staff before departing the agency in 2020. Bringing all Texas pharmacy groups together for this meeting was important to demonstrate unity on key priorities: no below-cost reimbursement; PBM reforms to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse; and the recognition of pharmacies as healthcare providers for Rural Health Transformation projects. 

Also in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commissions (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) revised Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual that includes information about Medicaid benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates was released. 

Also in Texas, HHSC announced that in accordance with the requirements of HB229, ImmTrac2 forms have been updated. 

Also in Texas, HHSC has transitioned to a new web-based software application, State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS), to collect information from providers for Medicaid and non-Medicaid cost reports, Supplemental and Directed Payment Program (DPP) enrollments and legislatively directed reports. 

Finally in Texas, HHSC's Executive Council will meet on March 19 at 10:00 am. Members of the public are welcome to view the meeting by webcast and click on the Winters Live tab or you may attend in-person at the John H. Winters Building, Public Hearing Room 125, First Floor, 701 West 51st Street, Austin, Texas 78751. Information to watch the meeting virtually or to attend the meeting in-person is also located on the agenda.  

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

2026-03-13T11:06:27-04:00March 13, 2026|Texas|

Virginia

The Commonwealth is poised to strengthen PBM regulation in the commercial market with the passage of SB 669, which has been sent to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) for approval. The bill mandates pass-through pricing for PBMs, requires insurers to offer at least one prescription plan with a fee-only compensation structure if requested, bans retroactive payment cuts and protects pharmacies from PBM retaliation for filing complaints. Additionally, the Administration intends to move forward with the process to implement a Single PBM model in Medicaid Managed Care, supported by the inclusion of startup funding for the RFP process in the current budget proposal, which is still being negotiated.  

Also in Virginia, the Board of Pharmacy posted the March 17 agenda packet. Please note that it includes the 2025 Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey Report(s). 

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

2026-03-13T11:05:47-04:00March 13, 2026|Virginia|

Washington

SSB 5934, the standard of care bill that could expand pharmacists’ practice authority by allowing them to independently prescribe and diagnose within their scope of practice based on education and experience, passed the Senate but died in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. 

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

2026-03-13T11:05:13-04:00March 13, 2026|Washington|

Wyoming

The Department of Health (WDH) officials stated concerned about the ongoing, active spread of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state. Kaylyn Friesen, vaccine-preventable disease epidemiologist with WDH, said there have been 26 confirmed pertussis cases in the state so far this year.

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

2026-03-13T11:04:39-04:00March 13, 2026|Wyoming|

Colorado

The House Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing this week on SB 26-032, legislation that passed the Senate earlier this month. The bill strengthens access to pharmacy vaccine services and codifies Board of Pharmacy rules regarding pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines. NACDS submitted a statement supporting the bill. 

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

2026-02-27T09:46:09-05:00February 27, 2026|Colorado|

Illinois

Effective December 31, 2025, generic Novolog (insulin aspart) and generic Tresiba (insulin degludec) vials and pens were discontinued by the manufacturer. In response, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has moved the brand name Humalog (insulin lispro) products to preferred status and will continue to maintain the generic insulin lispro and brand name Lantus (insulin glargine) products as preferred on the Preferred Drug List (PDL).  

To ensure that interruption in treatment is avoided, pharmacies are encouraged to contact the patient's doctor to request a change to a preferred rapid acting insulin agent. Pharmacies may continue to dispense generic insulin until stock is exhausted.  

Also in Illinois, effective April 15, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will once again designate Contour Plus Blue blood glucose meters and test strips as preferred agents on the Preferred Drug List (PDL). In the Provider Notice issued 10/24/2025, prior authorization was temporarily removed for the non-preferred brands, OneTouch, Accu-Chek and FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose test strips due to shortages of Contour Plus Blue products. Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has been in communication with Ascensia Diabetes Care, the manufacturer of Contour Plus Blue products, which has confirmed that the out-of-stock issues experienced last year have been rectified.  

If Illinois Medicaid customers received OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose strips since October 24, 2025, a new prescription is required to change over to the Contour Plus Blue products. Prior authorization is necessary for OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle products.  

This change will apply to Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).  

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.  

Also in Illinois, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) announced the availability of an online application for the Pharmacy Assistance Program. Supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, IRMA will provide direct payments to qualifying pharmacies in the state to increase the availability of pharmacy services in the state's underserved communities. Details about the application and qualifications can be found by clicking the button below. Pharmacies are encouraged to apply soon as the application period closes at midnight on March 31. For questions regarding the program or the application, please email info@irma.org.  

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

2026-06-02T12:12:04-04:00February 27, 2026|Illinois|

Kansas

The Senate approved, by a vote of 32-8, legislation that NACDS supports that would regulate PBMs. SB 360, the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act, defines auditing procedures, outlines reporting requirements and enhances enforcement authority by allowing for compliance and financial examinations. The bill was sent to the House for further consideration. 

Also in Kansas, the House of Representatives approved by a vote of 95-27, HB 2676, legislation expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. The bill allows for the initiation of therapy, including medication and durable medical equipment, under certain circumstances and requires pharmacists who independently initiate therapy to maintain professional liability insurance. The bill has been referred to the Senate for further consideration. 

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

2026-02-27T09:44:46-05:00February 27, 2026|Kansas|

Nevada

The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for a two-day meeting in Las Vegas on March 4 and 5.

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

2026-02-27T09:43:52-05:00February 27, 2026|Nevada|
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