The Board of Pharmacy issued draft rules to implement SB 144, the new pharmacy immunization expansion law that passed in July. We have reviewed the rule and found no issues or concerns and intend to file a letter of support. However, if members have any concerns or comments, please share them with Jill McCormack by September 13.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the draft agenda for its next meeting on September 18. Please note the “Medicare MFP modeling presentation and SB 192 upper payment limit discussion” by PDAB staff and Myers and Stauffer on the draft agenda. You must register in advance of the meeting to participate.
Also in Oregon, NACDS, as a participant in the PBM Working Group, submitted a letter to Rep. Rob Nosse (D), Chair, House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee, to provide comments and pharmacy reimbursement concepts in advance of the next working group meeting scheduled to be held on September 18.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
During the most recent Board of Pharmacy meeting, the Board confirmed that rules for technician immunizations will not be finalized before the PREP Act expires. However, technicians should still be able to vaccinate after receiving a waiver from the Board’s Executive Director Lucy Shell. NACDS and Tennessee Pharmacy Association are working to confirm details of this process and will share more information as it becomes available.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implemented a new STAR+PLUS contract in seven managed care organizations (MCOs) on September 1, 2024. Pharmacy claims billing codes and contact information for these MCOs are available.
Also in Texas, HHSC’s Vendor Drug Program (VDP) revised the Pharmacy Payer Specification Manual, separating them by program. The three separate manuals are the Traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women Program, the Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program and the Kidney Health Care Program. The three new manuals are available on the VDP Provider Portal.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) held an initial virtual meeting with pharmacy associations to discuss the upcoming pharmacy cost-of-dispensing survey (slide deck). The survey instrument has not been finalized; however, Myers & Stauffer intends to send it to pharmacies on September 12. Additional informational webinars for all pharmacy stakeholders are tentatively scheduled for September 24 and September 26.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The State Department of Health Office of Immunizations is hosting a 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Season: Vaccine Recommendations, Ordering and Distribution webinar on September 17. Presenters will discuss influenza, COVID-19, and RSV epidemiology, vaccine recommendations and vaccine ordering and distribution.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Effective September 2024, Medicaid will now permit pharmacists to enroll as providers and bill for pharmacy services. This significant development results from collaborative efforts by various pharmacy organizations, including the Alaska Pharmacy Association. The change aligns with HB 145 of 2022. It allows pharmacists to enroll as rendering providers and get paid for their services through medical benefits while affiliated with a pharmacy professional group, Tribal Health Organization, Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Clinic.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
NACDS sent a letter to the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Alan McClain (R) in support of proposed Emergency Rule 128, Pharmacy Benefits Manager Compensation Requirements for Network Adequacy, Fair and Reasonable Pharmacy Reimbursements. This rule is needed to protect pharmacy providers from the abusive PBM business practices that can jeopardize the future of pharmacy and the sustainability of providing pharmacy services and patient access to care.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
This week the Assembly passed SB 966, PBM Reform legislation. The bill returns to the Senate for concurrence with the Assembly amendments. The legislature will adjourn no later than midnight on August 31.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notices on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, effective for dates of service on or after September 1, 2024, the Department of Health Care Services has updated the List of Contracted Incontinence Creams and Washes.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy proposed the following rules:
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy’s Licensing Committee added an additional meeting on September 4, 2024, to continue its work on the Standard of Care Model. The agenda, meeting materials and written comments received were posted to the Board’s website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
