Michael Silber, Author at In The States

Arizona

On January 30, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services recommended SB 1085 “do pass” with a vote of 6-1. This bill would authorize pharmacists to test and initiate treatment for conditions such as influenza, COVID, strep and other respiratory illnesses and to delegate the administrative and technical tasks of performing a test to a trained member of the pharmacy staff who is under the supervision of the pharmacist. It also prohibits a health insurer from denying reimbursement for any test, screening or treatment that is within the scope of the pharmacist’s license and would be covered, if otherwise performed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:55:41-05:00February 9, 2024|Arizona|

Arkansas

The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced a state’s revenue surplus of $231.2 million at the end of January 2024.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:54:54-05:00February 9, 2024|Arkansas|

California

On February 6, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 339 (Chapter 1, Statutes of 2024), which broadens existing pharmacist authority to provide HIV prevention services and secures payment for the provision of pharmacy-provided HIV prevention services. This was the first bill of the year to be signed by the governor.

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

State of Emergency Override Activation: Submission Clarification Code 13 (February 8)
Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal Prior Authorization Submission Outage (February 7)
Error Notification: Omission of the Prior Authorization Form for Notice of Action Letters Mailed Between November 26, 2023, and December 26, 2023 (February 5)
Rite Aid Closure in Needles, CA (February 2)
State of Emergency Override Activation: Submission Clarification Code 13 (February 2)
Medi-Cal Rx Weekly Wrap-up for January 26-February 1 (February 2)

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:54:24-05:00February 9, 2024|California|

Illinois

This notice serves to inform providers that Medicaid coverage for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Abrysvo, for pregnant customers, 32-36 weeks, will end January 31, 2024, in accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines.

To prevent and protect high risk children from RSV at the tail-end of the season, coverage for monoclonal antibodies, Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) and Synagis (Palivizumab), will be continued at least until the end of February this year with plans to reevaluate RSV incidence and hospitalizations before coverage is ended.

Abrysvo or Arexvy will remain available for Medicaid customers aged 60 years and over through the pharmacy point-of-sale and medical billing without a prior authorization.

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to a pharmacy consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 for fee-for-service (FFS) claims or the appropriate managed care organization (MCO).

Also in Illinois, the Department of Health and Family Services will review the following classes for the April 11 Drug and Therapeutics (D and T) Advisory Board meeting:

Antiasthmatics-Adrenergic Combination Inhalers
Antiasthmatics-Anticholinergic Inhalers
Antiasthmatics-Beta Adrenergic Inhalers
Antiasthmatics-Steroid Inhalers

D and T Call-In Information

All clinical and financial submissions are due to the Department by 3:00 pm CST on March 21. Submissions should be sent to: HFS.SupplementalRebaleProgram@illinois.gov.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:53:46-05:00February 9, 2024|Illinois|

Indiana

More than 200 pharmacists, students and pharmacy technicians participated in the Indiana Pharmacy Association’s annual Legislative Day at the Capitol that NACDS sponsored. Attendees were briefed on the priority issues before their meetings with state legislators.

Also in Indiana, HB 1327 passed the House by a vote of 93-4 and was referred to the Senate for further action.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:52:50-05:00February 9, 2024|Indiana|

Louisiana

The Department of Health (LDH) Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations began reimbursing pharmacies for blood clotting factor products administered in an outpatient setting as a pharmacy benefit on February 1, 2024.

Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting is in Baton Rouge on February 20 and 21.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:52:17-05:00February 9, 2024|Louisiana|

Kentucky

This week, the House unanimously passed HB 274, a bill that would allow pharmacies to administer ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) vaccines to children aged 5 years and older. The bill also removes the current vaccine prescription requirement for children. The Kentucky Medical Association stood down following negotiations that raised the age from 3 years to 5 years. The bill now goes to the Senate.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:51:49-05:00February 9, 2024|Kentucky|

Michigan

The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) updated instructions for pharmacies to file PBM complaints on its PBM website. As a reminder, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Licensure and Regulation Act, PA 11 of 2022, took effect on January 1, 2024. This law introduces new licensing obligations and regulatory standards for PBMs operating in the state.

Also in Michigan: The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is soliciting comments from the public on the Michigan Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary, which applies to pharmacy claims paid by Medicaid managed care organizations. The public may submit comments on the drugs included or not included on the Common Formulary, new drug products, prior authorization criteria, step therapy criteria and other topics related to drug coverage under the Common Formulary. Comments should be sent to formulary analyst Linda Van Camp by March 15.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:51:16-05:00February 9, 2024|Michigan|

Missouri

MO HealthNet, Medicaid, is conducting a survey regarding the implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act’s prescription drug monitoring program mandate.

Also in Missouri, pharmacy technician renewals e-mail address and address changes should be submitted to the Board by February 15. Submit either online, by fax (573-526-3464) or by email to https://pr.mo.gov/pharmacists-coa.asp. Name changes require a copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree or driver’s license.

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

Michael Silber2024-02-09T09:50:40-05:00February 9, 2024|Missouri|

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