Michael Silber, Author at In The States

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So far Michael Silber has created 2507 blog entries.

Mississippi

The Board of Pharmacy is seeking a Pharmacy Benefit Manager Compliance Director. This position will oversee PBM compliance, policy development and administrative actions as directed by legislative authority regarding PBM activities, as outlined in the Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act, the Pharmacy Benefit Audit Integrity Act and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The individual will serve as the agency’s primary point of contact with internal and external stakeholders for PBM matters. This position welcomes applications from both non-pharmacists and pharmacists. As stated in the job description, the successful candidate’s actual salary will be based on their relevant experience.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:34:00-04:00June 26, 2025|Mississippi|

Missouri

The Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division (Medicaid) adopted an emergency rule for the Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (PRA). The emergency amendment was filed on June 23 and takes effect on July 8 and expires February 26, 2026.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:33:29-04:00June 26, 2025|Missouri|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services published Provider Bulletin 25-10: Pharmacy Dispensing Fee Increase. Effective July 1, all pharmacies who fill a prescription for a Medicaid Fee-for-Service member will receive a professional dispensing fee rate increase from $10.38 to $10.50. Independent pharmacies, defined as those who own six or fewer pharmacies, who fill a prescription for a Medicaid managed care member will receive a professional dispensing fee rate increase from $10.38 to $10.50.

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services published Provider Bulletin 25-09: Changes to the Nebraska Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) effective July 18.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:33:03-04:00June 26, 2025|Nebraska|

Nevada

Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) vetoed AB 259, legislation that would have set a fixed “maximum fair price” for drugs – a price dictated solely by a government standard – while excluding important costs such as the fees that pharmacies charge to dispense medications. Instead of imposing experimental price controls that could worsen drug shortages, NACDS and the coalition opposed to the bill recommended the administration focus on innovative solutions that lower drug costs without undermining access to essential medications or placing undue strain on our healthcare providers.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:32:28-04:00June 26, 2025|Nevada|

New Jersey

On June 19, the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance held another hearing on A4953. The Committee approved an amendment that would provide for a commercial rate floor, clarify the definition of network and non-network pharmacies and require fiduciary duties for PBMs. The bill remains in the committee.

Also in New Jersey, on June 23, the Senate Committee on Commerce held a hearing on the "State of PBMs in New Jersey." NACDS submitted written testimony. Panels before the committee included those representing PBMs, pharmaceutical companies, health insurers and pharmacies. NACDS will continue to encourage the committee to take action to reform PBMs.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:31:47-04:00June 26, 2025|New Jersey|

New York

The State Department of Health announced that effective July 1, several drug manufacturers voluntarily withdrew from participation in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in compliance with Social Security Law Sec. 1927 [42 U.S.C. 1396r–8] (a), requires drug manufacturers to participate in the MDRP for their drugs to be eligible for coverage under the Medicaid program. Prescribers and pharmacies are encouraged to assist members with a therapeutically equivalent generic or to obtain a new prescription for an available alternative.

Also in New York, the Board of Pharmacy met on June 26. The agenda included a presentation by the Department of Health's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement and a discussion of prescription transfers, shared pharmacy services regulations, Legislative matters and board meeting dates/locations.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:31:18-04:00June 26, 2025|New York|

North Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (Commission) proposed to amend, via permanent procedures, Rule 10A NCAC 26E .0406, Disposal of Unused Controlled Substances from Nursing Home. The Commission also proposes adopting, via permanent procedures, Rule 10A NCAC 27G .3605, Medication Units and Mobile Units. Both proposed rules are available on the Commission for MH/DD/SAS Proposed Rules page.

The public comment period for both rules runs June 17 through August 15. Written comments on the proposed rule must be submitted electronically to dmhddsasrules@dhhs.nc.gov or mailed to W. Denise Baker, 3001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3001.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:30:43-04:00June 26, 2025|North Carolina|

Ohio

The Budget Conference Committee approved an amended version of the state budget that will soon be on Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) desk. Though NACDS worked strategically with members and partners to include a meaningful commercial pharmacy rate floor, the conference committee fell woefully short, fueled by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s claims that a rate floor would raise consumer premiums. The final language, which only applies to pharmacies incorporated in the state, sets the ingredient cost floor at either the amount a PBM pays its affiliates or actual acquisition cost (ACC); however, it does not include a dispensing fee rate floor. NACDS is analyzing the impact of the language and will seek member feedback on any next steps.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:30:12-04:00June 26, 2025|Ohio|

Oregon

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has published its quarterly (June 25) newsletter. Articles including the following: PDAB selects 23 medications for review in 2025, Oregon PDAB conducts successful outreach effort on drugs under review, "What patients say about prescription drug costs", Oregon PDAB launches new drug data dashboard, PDAB member profile: Chris Laman, Board publishes generic drug report, "News you can use", Board, staff thank Robert Judge for his service to Oregon PDAB and Oregon Governor signed Senate Bill 289 into law.

Also in Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek signed SB 289 making three housekeeping changes for the PDAB; it will take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill will change the PDAB's statutory language to "up to nine" drugs a year for review costs, giving the PDAB more flexibility to present the state legislature with an annual list of drugs that may cause affordability challenges based on statutory criteria. Additionally, the Department of Consumer and Business Services will provide the PDAB with a list of prescription drugs annually instead of quarterly. Finally, the bill removes the requirement that the PDAB prepares a separate generic drug report annually and, instead, includes generic drug information in the annual report the PDAB submits to the state legislature each December.

Finally in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority and county public health officials are investigating a case of measles in an unvaccinated individual who recently returned to the state following international travel. This is the first confirmed case of 2025.

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

Michael Silber2025-06-26T14:29:43-04:00June 26, 2025|Oregon|