New York

The Office of Health Insurance Programs of the State Department of Health has approved the release of the August 2024 Medicaid Update. Included in this month’s update:

Also in New York, on September 23, 2024, the Medicaid Program made important changes to the coverage of blood glucose testing supplies, aligning with Medicare coverage criteria. This update is designed to promote effective testing habits to support individuals managing their diabetes. Changes to the supply limits for test strips and lancets and the implications for pharmacies and healthcare providers, are explained below:

Effective October 1, 2024, the Medicaid blood glucose testing supply coverage will align with Medicare policies. The new guidelines are as follows:

  • Members using insulin: Those who require insulin for blood glucose management will be eligible to receive up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every three months.
  • Members not using insulin: For individuals managing their diabetes without insulin, the allowance will be up to 100 test strips and 100 lancets every three months.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

2024-09-26T10:43:55-04:00September 26, 2024|New York|

North Carolina

The Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging everyone 6-months and older to get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Both vaccines have been updated for the new flu and COVID-19 virus strains that will continue to spread this fall and winter.

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

2024-09-26T10:42:54-04:00September 26, 2024|North Carolina|

North Dakota

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Immunization Unit and key partners are conducting a Community Survey to inform development of a new Immunization Strategic Plan for the state. As a member of our community, your input and opinions about vaccines and vaccination uptake and access in North Dakota is highly valued. Your response to this survey will help state and local health groups work to ensure all North Dakotans can be healthier and happier by staying current with wellness immunizations. Please use the link or QR code below to complete the anonymous survey, which will take approximately 10–15 minutes. No personally identifying information will be collected.

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

2024-09-26T10:42:16-04:00September 26, 2024|North Dakota|

Oregon

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted the agenda and meeting materials for its October 2 meeting. Please note the “Medicare MFP modeling presentation and SB 192 upper payment limit discussion” by PDAB staff and Myers and Stauffer on the agenda. You must register in advance of the meeting to participate.

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

2024-09-26T10:41:42-04:00September 26, 2024|Oregon|

Vermont

On September 25, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular meeting. Of interest, one posted agenda item was new officer elections.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

2024-09-26T10:41:03-04:00September 26, 2024|Vermont|

Virginia

The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is currently conducting a pharmacy cost of dispensing study. Surveys were delivered to pharmacies on September 12 and are due back to Myers & Stauffer on October 17. The statute requires that the Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) Professional Dispensing Fee be determined by a study completed “at least every five years”. DMAS’ slide deck has more detail. The current FFS Professional Dispensing Fee is $10.65.

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

2024-09-26T10:40:37-04:00September 26, 2024|Virginia|

Alabama

Effective October 1, 2024, Medicaid will:

  1. Continue to monitor the stimulant shortage affecting ADHD medications.
  2. Add the Asthma and Allergy Monoclonal Antibodies class to the PDL.
  3. Require PA for generic bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution, and generic budesonide/formoterol fumarate inhalation, including Breyna. Brand Bepreve and brand Symbicort will remain preferred and will be billed with a Dispense as Written (DAW) Code of 9.
  4. Update the PDL to reflect the quarterly updates listed at the link.

Also in Alabama, this ALERT was published on July 2, 2024; however, Medicaid sent the information to providers again as a reminder of upcoming changes starting on October 1, 2024, related to COVID-19 unwinding.

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

2024-09-19T10:56:05-04:00September 19, 2024|Alabama|

Alaska

Licensing applications that were unable to be renewed prior to June 30, 2024, were given a 90-day extension if the application was received and the fee was paid. If the extended applications are not completed by September 30, 2024, the license will move into lapsed status on October 1, 2024. Pharmacists need to complete their Alaska Law Questionnaire and upload it into their My License portal. Pharmacies and Facilities must provide the Board of Pharmacy with their Alaska corporate entity number.

Also, in Alaska, effective September 28, pharmacy technicians with national certification can perform expanded duties under the direct supervision of a pharmacist (12 AAC 52.235). PHARMACY TECHNICIAN WITH NATIONAL CERTIFICATION). Specifically, certified technicians can perform a final check of and distribute a non-controlled substance prescription if the pharmacy uses software that displays the image or graphical description of the correct drug being verified.

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

2024-09-19T10:55:00-04:00September 19, 2024|Alaska|

Arizona

The Board of Pharmacy announced effective September 3, online renewals were available in your online profile by clicking the “Renewal” button located near the top of the page. Once you have successfully renewed, your updated license / permit will be available in your online profile. Renewal applications submitted after November 7, 2024, will be assessed as a late renewal penalty.

For licensee renewals, please ensure you have completed all continuing education (“CE”) requirements before submitting your renewal application. You may review the 2024 CE requirements.

When submitting your renewal application, please use a standard desktop or laptop computer running a current version of Google Chrome; the online profile may not be compatible with mobile devices.

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

2024-09-19T10:54:09-04:00September 19, 2024|Arizona|
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