The Senate Budget Chairs have continued productive discussions with the House regarding joint budget allocations. However, the budget conference will not begin next week. Senators have been informed that they will not need to return to Tallahassee before Memorial Day.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has signed HB 196 into law. This legislation reforms how the State Health Benefit Plan and University System Benefit Plan reimburse pharmacies for self-administered drugs. Effective January 1, 2026, the law will require a transparent pricing model and set fair dispensing fees. The legislation also closes loopholes by prohibiting insurers from skirting these requirements through discount programs and arms the Insurance Commissioner with the authority needed to enforce these vital protections.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The new Secretary of the Department of Health (LDH), Bruce Greenstein, announced that LDH will transition away from the single PBM that the previous administration adopted in October 2023. Citing the closures of independent and chain pharmacies that threaten patient access, the Secretary is launching a new approach to the pharmacy Medicaid program to reduce the middleman's impact. LDH pledged to work closely with pharmacists and managed care organizations (MCOs) to ensure the best approach to managing pharmacy benefits and operate a pharmacy program that ensures access, controls expenses and safeguards the financial stability of the state's Medicaid system.
Also in Louisiana, the Council on Medicaid Reimbursement, on which NACDS has a designated seat, held the Council's monthly meeting on May 22. In addition to the regular agenda, LDH staff fielded questions on why they transitioned away from the single PBM.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The State Senate debated the state budget legislation, which did not include the Governor’s proposed $2.00 per prescription tax. The budget is now moving to conference committee, having passed the House last month. The legislature will likely finish its work next month. Since neither chamber considered the tax, it cannot be included in the final budget bill.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
The General Assembly adjourned on May 16.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) sent out its second issuance of Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits. Throughout the 2025 Summer EBT period, households with eligible school-age children can receive assistance in buying groceries during the program’s second year of operation. A one-time payment of $120 will be issued for each eligible child, intended to cover the three summer months at $40 a month. Eligible families will have 122 days, or four months, to use summer EBT benefits. Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, online food retailers and farmer’s markets that accept SNAP EBT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
A678/S3236, legislation that allows pharmacy technicians to practice in any pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist, has been passed by both chambers. The bill now moves to the Governor for signing. NACDS and the Community Pharmacy Association of New York have advocated for this bill all session, having directly lobbied both chambers and the administration.
Also in New York, the State Department of Health held its monthly pharmacy call to discuss NYRx, the New York state Medicaid pharmacy benefit program. The agenda included two items: a change in covered diabetic supplies (see below) and a reminder that electronic prior authorizations will start this summer through CoverMyMeds.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.
NACDS and representatives from member companies met with Senate and House leadership in North Carolina to advocate for key priorities related to PBM reform, with a focus on SB 479 and HB 163. In addition, we participated in the NC Retail Merchants Association Spring Legislative Reception.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed into law two bills of importance to pharmacies:
Also in Oklahoma, Gov. Stitt (R) vetoed SB 773, legislation pharmacies supported that would give the Attorney General (AG) greater enforcement authority. In his veto message, the Governor accused the Attorney General of trying to grow his office and expand his authority, and that "he has shown again and again that he will abuse it".
Also in Oklahoma, Gov. Stitt (R) selected, and the Senate officially confirmed the appointment of Walmart pharmacist, Shannon Griggs, to serve a five-year term on the Board of Pharmacy, succeeding Mark St. Cyr.
Finally in Oklahoma, SB 789 that was amended in the House removing the rate floor language that triggered the $28M fiscal note, passed the Senate on May 21. The bill provides network transparency and reimbursement appeal protections. It was sent to the Governor's office.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
