Michael Silber, Author at In The States

About Michael Silber

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Michael Silber has created 2529 blog entries.

Pennsylvania

As a result of the passage of Act 77, The Insurance Department (PID) announced a process for pharmacies to dispute a drug’s designation as a “specialty drug” by a PBM or insurer. PID also published a non-binding, non-exclusive list of “specialty drugs,” as well as guidance on how a pharmacy can request a review of a specialty drug designation. This process will be available in 2025 for drugs covered by large group policies issued after October 15, 2024, and by individual and small group policies issued on or after January 1, 2026. Beginning in 2026, PID will also release two annual reports, a Network Adequacy Report is due by April, and a Transparency report will be available by July. These reports will provide critical data on manufacturer rebates and pharmacy reimbursement rates to help identify areas for further action or reform.

NACDS strongly encourages members to review both the proposed list and the complaint process and share your comments with Jill McCormack. We intend to work with PID to help you build and revise the list and to encourage the most efficient process for our members to dispute designations.

PBMs and pharmacies can find more information on Act 77, including a schedule that outlines the Act’s full implementation dates, visit PID’s website. To submit a complaint, contact the PID’s Consumer Services Bureau online or at 1-877-881-6388.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-30T13:24:00-05:00January 30, 2025|Pennsylvania|

Tennessee

The Board of Pharmacy has released the proposed rules on pharmacist-delegated technician authorities. The Pharmacy Association wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed rules. A rulemaking hearing will take place on February 27^th.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-30T13:22:33-05:00January 30, 2025|Tennessee|

Texas

The House of Representatives, under the new leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows (R), established new rules stating that House committees’ chairmanships will be held by the majority party – Republicans, and the vice chairs will be held by the minority party – Democrats.

Also in Texas, the agenda for the February 4, 2025, Board of Pharmacy meeting is now available. For those note able to attend, the meeting will be Live Streamed.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-30T13:21:47-05:00January 30, 2025|Texas|

Vermont

The Vermont Office of Profession Regulation (OPR) is conducting a public hearing on the proposed Pharmacy Administrative Rules update. Public comments are welcome until March 31, 2025. To submit comments, please email sos.opr.comments@vermont.gov.

OPR will also hold three public meetings to invite comment from the public and stakeholders on the draft Administrative Rules. Public hearings will be held at 89 Main Street, 3rd floor, Montpelier, VT 05620. To join the meetings online, see the information below:

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 293 389 690 612

Passcode: 9Th7n98t

Dial in by phone

+1 802-828-7667,,168777875#

Phone conference ID: 168 777 875#

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 257 060 957 271

Passcode: Hj2ZQ2MN

Dial in by phone

+1 802-828-7667,,207994027#

Phone conference ID: 207 994 027#

Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 212 020 234 592

Passcode: RE2J2EA2

Dial in by phone

+1 802-828-7667,,301656014#

Phone conference ID: 301 656 014#

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Silber2025-01-30T13:20:46-05:00January 30, 2025|Vermont|

Virginia

Two bills that would require DMAS (Department of Medical Assistance Services) to contract directly with a SPBM to manage the Medicaid managed care pharmacy benefit are quickly advancing this session. NACDS testified in favor of SB 875, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Rouse (D), that was later approved by both the Education and Health Committee and the Finance Committee. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a vote. In the House, The Health and Human Services Committee approved HB 2610 and advanced it to the Appropriation Committee. Identical fiscal notes were issued for the bills and they include cost savings estimates. NACDS is working with members, in-state partners and DMAS to support this effort.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-30T13:19:57-05:00January 30, 2025|Virginia|

Washington

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission’s February 6, 2025, agenda and meeting materials are available.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-30T13:19:07-05:00January 30, 2025|Washington|

Arizona

The Board of Pharmacy posted an agenda for the Virtual Task Force/Stakeholder Meeting being held on January 29 to discussion and consider possible action related to the US Pharmacopeia (USP) – Compounding practice standards.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-24T14:07:01-05:00January 24, 2025|Arizona|

Arkansas

The Retailers' Day at the Capitol is on January 29.

Also in Arkansas, HB 1150, filed by Rep. Jeremiah Moore (R) and Sen. Kim Hammer (R), prohibits PBMs from owning pharmacies in the state. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce.

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

Michael Silber2025-01-24T14:06:31-05:00January 24, 2025|Arkansas|

California

On January 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a news release detailing the Department's work to expand support for Medi-Cal members impacted by the Southern California wildfires. DHCS swiftly implemented key administrative flexibilities to protect Medi-Cal members in affected regions of the state. These efforts included simplified Medi-Cal enrollment and renewal processes, waived requirements to access prescription medications and medical devices and other flexibilities to ensure all Medi-Cal members have access to care during this emergency. Additionally, DHCS is actively seeking further federal flexibilities to expand support for impacted Medi-Cal members and providers.

Also in California, beginning January 17, the federal Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for specific zip codes in California to help uninsured residents replace prescription medicines and/or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in the 2025 Los Angeles Fires. EPAP has been activated through March 15, 2025. To locate participating pharmacies, visit EPAP Enrolled Pharmacies.

Also in California, on January 17, DHCS began hosting a weekly Medi-Cal Rx Pediatric Integration webinar. Webinars will be held every Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm PST to support partner readiness. Partners, including pharmacy providers and prescribers, should plan to attend a webinar prior to the implementation of Medi-Cal Rx Pediatric Integration on January 31. More information is available on the Medi-Cal Rx Education & Outreach webpage.

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notice on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal: 

Now Available: CCS Panel Authority Policy Exclusions on the Medi-Cal Rx Approved NDC List

Deactivation of Reject Code 16 – M/I Prescription/Service Reference Number

Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for January 10-16

Medi-Cal Eligibility Assistance for Medi-Cal Members Affected by California Wildfires

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

Michael Silber2025-03-06T19:04:14-05:00January 24, 2025|California|