Wisconsin
The Department of Health Services is seeking to expand coverage of opioid treatment services in underserved geographic areas of the state and for underserved populations. More information about the request for proposals can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Alabama
The CURES Act Fee Schedule has been updated and is available on the Alabama Medicaid website under the DME Fee Schedules section. All claims with dates of service on or after January 1, 2020 will be reimbursed with the 2020 rate. Additional questions may be directed to the Alabama Medicaid Agency DME Policy Unit at (334) 242-5050.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Board of Pharmacy recently adopted emergency regulations implementing SB 159, the PEP/PrEP law passed in 2019, and agreed to move forward with rulemaking to permanently adopt rules. These emergency regulations were sent to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) which has ten days to approve and file the regulations with the Secretary of State. Emergency rules are only effective for 180 days but can be readopted until permanent rules are adopted.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
Senate Bil 714, testing for and treatment of influenza and streptococcus, was amended to remove streptococcus, heard and passed out favorably from the Senate Health Policy Subcommittee with a vote of 6-3 on February 19th. The next stop is the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. NACDS had previously written a letter in support of the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
House Bill 386 – PBM Reform Legislation successfully passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee this week. The bill is now on the Senate 2nd reading calendar, prepared for final passage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Iowa
A subcommittee of the Senate Human Resources Committee advanced SSB 3164 (formerly SF 2019), legislation to expand immunization authority and create statewide protocol for test and treat of strep and flu, despite concerns expressed by physician groups. NACDS asks members operating in Iowa to look for grassroots action alerts from the Iowa Pharmacy Association to engage the full Human Resources Committee.
Also in Iowa... The Senate Committee on Human Resources passed SF 123, legislation pertaining to collaborative practice in the commercial payer space. However, the Committee discussion will likely lead to future amendments to expand the bill to include Medicare and Medicaid, which could hinder further progress.
Also in Iowa... A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee advanced HSB 582, which would permit partial dispensing fees for partial fills. NACDS strongly opposes this legislation and is working with in-state partners to prevent further advancement of the bill.
Also in Iowa... A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee advanced HSB 685, legislation pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies. NACDS is reviewing the legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Louisiana
The Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Courtney Phillips, was hired by Gov. John Bel Edwards to serve as the chief of the Louisiana Department of Health. Phillips is replacing former Secretary Rebekah Gee who announced her retirement last month as the head of Louisiana’s largest state agency.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing its series of Town Hall meetings across the State about the opioid epidemic. More information about the March 12 Town Hall in Sterling Heights, as well as future Town Hall dates and locations, can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
The Department of Human Services has selected Mercer to perform the upcoming cost of dispensing survey per the State's implementation of the CMS Covered Outpatient Drugs rule. NACDS will share more information as it becomes available.
Also in Minnesota... NACDS reviewed HF 3223 pertaining to biologics, determining it will remain neutral on the bill. NACDS has no historical position on the plan design issue addressed in the legislation. However, NACDS will monitor and has alerted members to this legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
HB 1693, legislation to create a statewide Prescription Monitoring Program, has cleared the House, but is expected to encounter the same Senate filibuster threat as in previous years. NACDS continues to engage in-state partners on the issue.
Also in Missouri... Pharmacist Senator David Sater and the Missouri Pharmacy Association kicked off the introduction of SB 971, legislation pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, with a press conference that garnered considerable media attention.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Nebraska
LB 1196, NPA’s legislation addressing Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, is scheduled for a hearing before the Banking, Commerce, and Industry Committee on Monday, February 24, at 1:30 pm.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Oklahoma
NACDS submitted comments to the Health Care Authority on proposed rules enhancing drug utilization review program requirements intended to promote safe and intended use of opioid medications.
Also in Oklahoma... NACDS submitted comments to the Board of Pharmacy urging them to amend their regulations under review to expand the administrative duties of pharmacy technicians.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Texas
The Health and Human Services Commission’s Medicaid Standing Order covers mosquito repellents for the prevention of the Zika virus for four programs: Medicaid (both traditional and managed care), Children’s Health Insurance Program, Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program and Healthy Texas Women Program. This order serves as a prescription and allows pharmacists to dispense mosquito repellent under the terms of the order. Beginning February 18th, people enrolled in the Healthy Texas Women Program will now require a prescription to receive mosquito repellents.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Washington
The Senate unanimously passed 2nd Substitute Senate Bill 5601 – Health Care Benefit Manager reform. Requiring registration with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and transparency. The Bill now goes to the House.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Wisconsin
The State Assembly passed AB 114 pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, key priority legislation for the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Retail Association testified in opposition to House Bill 143’s requirements to implement importation. Amendments to the bill turn it into a study.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Alaska
The Alaska Medicaid will hold a “scoping session” Friday, February 21, 2020 to discuss, among other pharmacy issues, the results of the recent cost of dispensing study and a timeline for including pharmacists as providers in the Medicaid portal. The meeting will be from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Alaska Standard Time. A copy of the notice can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) announced that after a nationwide search, they hired former state legislator Susan Bonilla as their new President and Chief Executive Officer to run the largest statewide pharmacy association.
Also in California... The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced that they will not resume retroactive adjustments beginning February 10, 2020. The recoupment of pharmacy retroactive claim adjustments is paused until further notice.
Also in California... Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) named primary care doctor and former CEO for the Inland Empire Health Plan Bradley Gilbert as director of the state Department of Health Care Services, which administers California's $104 billion Medi-Cal program. Gilbert will take over for Richard Figueroa, who will transition back to his primary role as deputy cabinet secretary.
Also in California... The Department of Health Care Services is hosting its third Medi-Cal Rx Public Forum in Sacramento on February 18, 2020 from 2- 3 PM to engage stakeholders in discussions on the Governor's Executive Order N-01-19 which requires DHCS to transition pharmacy services for Medi-Cal managed care to fee-for-service (FFS) by January 1, 2021. DHCS will provide status updates about Medi-Cal Rx implementation activities and timelines. Please note that DHCS will only take questions and comments from those participants attending in person. Participants may also choose to join the meeting via webinar. To register for Medi-Cal Rx Public Forum February 18, 2020. For questions and/or comments, please email RxCarveOut@dhcs.ca.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Colorado
Legislative Day at the Capitol in Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Also in Colorado... The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) provided an update on the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Benefit 1115 Waiver demonstration application pending at CMS. HCPF is also in the process of pursuing a State Plan Amendment to include residential and inpatient SUD treatment and withdrawal management services in Medicaid. HCPF convened the SUD Implementation Workgroup meeting in mid-January to discuss various issues including utilization management, care coordination, provider enrollment/billing, capacity development, provider training and support, etc., that need to be addressed prior to the introduction in July 2020 of Medicaid coverage for new SUD treatment benefits. For more information, go to the SUD website.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Iowa Pharmacy Association issued a call to action for HSB 583, legislation expanding pharmacist immunization authority and statewide protocols for strep and flu, asking members living in the districts of the House Human Resources Committee to contact their legislators in support of the bill. NACDS submitted this letter to Committee leadership.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Louisiana
The Department of Health’s Medicaid Pharmacy Program announced that effective March 2020, MCOs will add a lock-in component.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maine
NACDS supported the Retail Association of Maine legislative reception which focused on pending legislation including drug disposal and drug importation initiatives.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services announced it would scrap its proposal. NACDS strongly supported the proposal and is engaging with in-state partners about potential next steps.
Also in Michigan… the Board of Pharmacy Rules Committee Work Group will meet on March 6 to discuss Pharmacy General Rules, Pharmacy Technician rules, and Animal Euthanasia and Sedation Rules. More information can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Minnesota
The Department of Human Services announced that its State Plan Amendment was approved for the reimbursement methodology per the CMS Covered Outpatient Drugs Rule that became effective in Minnesota on July 1, 2019.
Also in Minnesota… the Minnesota Pharmacists Association is looking for co-chairs of its Professional and Organizational Affairs Committee. As described by MPhA, "This committee is working on a variety of professional and organizational issues to ensure that we are implementing legislation and providing guidance to the organization to continue to improve and follow the MPhA bylaws." For more information, please contact sarahd@mpha.org.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Missouri
The Board of Pharmacy will host a webinar on February 20, 2020 at 12 pm Central to provide a regulatory update. Click here for more information and to register.
Also in Missouri… the Missouri Pharmacy Association's Legislative Day will be held on April 1 in Jefferson City.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.