In The States – Page 16 – Weekly news about states

Florida

The Administrative Register has published the following information as the Board of Pharmacy proposes the promulgation of the rules to implement new legislation. These include the following:

Collaborative Practice Certification: HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Certification (64B16-31.010)
Collaborative Practice Certification: HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Certification Course (64B16-31.011)
Collaborative Practice Certification: HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Certification Required Submissions (64B16-31.012).

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T11:04:14-04:00June 27, 2024|Florida|

Kentucky

MedImpact, the Commonwealth’s Single PBM, issued a Preferred Drug List update (PDL update) regarding coverage of Humulin N and Novolin N vials.

Also in Kentucky, Medicaid should now be reimbursing pharmacies both an ingredient cost and an administration fee for vaccines provided to children even if the pharmacy is not enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program. Also, due to the passage of HB 274, effective July 15, 2024, pharmacies will be authorized to administer the full range of vaccines starting at age five years (currently age nine years) under a prescriber-approved protocol. If you are experiencing any issues with vaccine reimbursement from Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) or Managed Care, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T11:03:30-04:00June 27, 2024|Kentucky|

Louisiana

Gov. Jeff Landy (R) signed into law the PEP/PrEP bill, HB 579, sponsored by Rep. Wayne McMahen (R), that will improve critical community access to HIV prevention services. With one of the highest rates of HIV in the country, the Department of Health (LDH) recognized the need for better access. LDH worked with the Louisiana Alliance for Retail Pharmacies (LARP) and other groups advocating for expanding options for at-risk patients to receive timely, convenient and lifesaving care at their local neighborhood pharmacies.

Also in Louisiana, Gov. Landry (R) announced key leadership changes. The Department of Health Secretary (LDH) Dr. Ralph Abraham transitions to the newly created Surgeon General role, Undersecretary Michael Harrington was named as the new LDH Secretary and Chief of Staff Drew Maranto was promoted to Undersecretary of LDH. The Secretary of LDH is responsible for implementing the Surgeon General’s recommendations, overseeing fiscal matters and ensuring the operations of the Department are carried out efficiently and effectively. Both the Secretary and the Surgeon General report directly to the Governor.

Also in Louisiana, LDH announced that Myers and Stauffer will be conducting a pharmacy cost of dispensing survey in August 2024 to evaluate the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement methodology. A Zoom stakeholder meeting will be held at 9:00 am on July 15. LDH and Myers and Stauffer representatives will discuss the scope of the survey, timeline for completion and address stakeholder questions about the process.

Finally in Louisiana, Medicaid is implementing changes to the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL) on July 1, 2024. The current PDL indicated a preference of some brand name drugs over generic drugs. The revised PDL will shift both brand and generic versions of these drugs to preferred status. The new PDL will be posted online.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T11:02:43-04:00June 27, 2024|Louisiana|

Maryland

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has selected 6 drugs they propose to subject to a cost review process. If members wish to submit comments on any or all the choices, please send them to comments.pdab@maryland.gov with the subject line: Board Selected Drugs (Drug Name) by July 22. For more information on the PDAB or on the comment process, see the PDAB’s Board Selected Drugs Page.

Also in Maryland, Medicaid Fee-For-Service released Advisory #263 in reference to the Generic vs. Brand Status on Medicaid’s Preferred Drug List (PDL) effective July 1, 2024.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T11:02:03-04:00June 27, 2024|Maryland|

Massachusetts

On June 25, MassHealth published its regular pharmacy facts update that includes revisions to the MassHealth Drug List.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T11:01:28-04:00June 27, 2024|Massachusetts|

Minnesota

The Department of Health’s Rx Transparency team recently sent an email to pharmacies and other reporting entities providing further instructions for filing prescription drug pricing information that will be required later this year under law. Additionally, the email reminded pharmacies licensed in Minnesota that they are required to register an account with the Department of Health’s (MDH) Online Reporting Portal and report on the Public Interest Drug lists, stating that “pharmacies that have not yet registered should do so promptly and may use our Registration Quick-Start Guide (PDF) to get started.” For more information, visit: MN Rx Transparency Home Page, Information for Reporting Entities and Public Interest Drug Lists.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T11:00:37-04:00June 27, 2024|Minnesota|

Mississippi

On July 1, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) will implement a single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator (PBA) to streamline and enhance the processing and management of pharmacy claims for all Medicaid members, including those enrolled in MississippiCAN and CHIP.

Operated by Gainwell Technologies, the PBA will also assume all pharmacy prior authorization responsibilities for drugs submitted on pharmacy claims. DOM will continue to require the use of the Universal Preferred Drug List (PDL). This decision comes after careful consideration and evaluation of various factors aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in the Medicaid delivery system.

Medicaid members should notice no disruption in their care if providers are prepared for this change.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T10:59:52-04:00June 27, 2024|Mississippi|

Missouri

NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Mike Parson (R) urging him to sign SB 751, legislation expanding the opportunity for pharmacies to participate in the 340B drug program. The bill also prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting where patients can access their 340B medications, a restriction not in place before the pandemic. The Governor has until July 14 to act on the bill.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T10:59:20-04:00June 27, 2024|Missouri|

Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services announced the launch of a new feature on the State Immunization Information System (NESIIS). Beginning June 10, 2024, Nebraskans have the option to securely download their personal (or their child’s) immunization information from NESIIS to their Android or iOS mobile device. This enables the option to share immunization records from NESIIS quickly and easily with healthcare providers, schools or other organizations.

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

Michael Silber2024-06-27T10:58:40-04:00June 27, 2024|Nebraska|