Indiana
This week, NACDS closely monitored the House Ways and Means Committee’s actions regarding HB 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Kansas
Two major bills that could change the practice of pharmacy were voted on this week:
The Senate voted on SB 360, a PBM reform bill that would bring transparency to PBMs, including:
- Ending spread pricing: PBMs would no longer be allowed to charge insurers or employers more than they pay pharmacies for the same prescription.
- Fair reimbursement: Pharmacies would be paid NADAC + $10.50 (or the state Medicaid rate, whichever is higher).
- Lower costs for patients and employers: Savings would go back to health plans, employers and patients instead of being kept by PBMs.
- State oversight: PBMs would be regulated by the Kansas Department of Insurance.
The House voted on HB 2676, allowing for emergency refills for non-controlled medications, and adding pharmacist prescribing in the four categories below:
- Conditions not requiring a new diagnosis, such as preventive care and chronic disease management
- Conditions that are minor and self-limiting such as hair loss, acne, head lice
- Conditions that have a CLIA-waived test to guide next steps, such as respiratory viruses
- Patient emergencies, such as epinephrine, beta agonists, glucagon
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Board of Pharmacy posted agendas for the March 2 full Board and Disciplinary Subcommittee meetings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
New Jersey
Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) issued a news release announcing that she signed Executive Order No. 13, temporarily extending the State of Emergency declared pursuant to Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) COVID-era Executive Order No. 103 for an additional 45 days. This will allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants more time to enter into delegation agreements with physicians so they can continue to prescribe medications. The State of Emergency, previously set to expire at 5:00 pm on February 16, will now expire at 5:00 pm on April 2.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
North Carolina
Jay Ludlam is leaving his role as Deputy Secretary of Medicaid to move into a new role as Plan President with Molina Healthcare. Melanie Bush will serve as Interim Deputy Secretary, providing continuity and experienced leadership during the transition. Bush currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of Medicaid.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
North Dakota
Medicaid contracted with Myers and Stauffer to conduct a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey. The survey results will be used to evaluate the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement methodology. To help prepare pharmacy owners and managers to participate in the survey, Myers and Stauffer, will be conducting informational meetings via telephonic/internet-based webinars. At these meetings, Myers and Stauffer will present more details about the survey process, discuss what information is being requested, and answer questions regarding completing the survey form. Pharmacies are invited to attend one of the informational meetings.
Attendance at one of the webinar sessions requires a reservation.
- Please call or email Myers and Stauffer for a reservation and further meeting details:
- Phone: 1-800-591-1183 or
- Email: disp_survey@mslc.com
Webinar Times
- February 26 at 8:00 am CT
- March 3 at 4:00 pm CT
The survey was mailed to pharmacies on February 17 and must be returned no later than March 31.
Please find the electronic version of the survey, instructional letter and other important documents at North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Provider Portal | Myers & Stauffer
It is very important that all pharmacies cooperate fully by filing an accurate cost survey. Pharmacies are encouraged to return the required information as soon as possible.
Please contact the Myers and Stauffer help desk by email disp_survey@mslc.com or phone 1-800-591-1183.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Ohio
The Senate Health Committee met on February 18 and heard proponent testimony on SB 230, legislation that would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients with common illnesses. NACDS attended the hearing, submitted written testimony and helped coordinate testimony with members and in-state partners. The bill is necessary for the state to move forward with the pharmacy initiatives in its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plan. We expect the bill to advance this spring. Senate Health Committee Chair Steve Huffman (R) recently authored a Columbus Dispatch column highlighting the importance of passing legislation related to the RHTP.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Pennsylvania
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda and instructions for participating in its February 24 meeting.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
The Department of Commerce and Insurance’s new audit of CVS Caremark details extensive violations of the state’s PBM laws, which spans discriminatory reimbursement, banned spread pricing and appeals noncompliance. CVS Caremark has 30 days to comply with the findings, after which the matter will be referred to legal services. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association issued this statement of the findings.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.