Pennsylvania
The Department of Human Services Office of Medical Assistance Programs has issued a new bulletin with billing instructions for COVID-19 at-home test kits.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Rhode Island
The Department of Health has issued an Emergency Amendment, effective January 26, 2022, regarding Immunization, Testing, and Health Screening for Health Care Workers (216-RICR-20-15-7).
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Tennessee
Effective January 15, 2022, to broaden access to SARS-CoV-2 at-home testing, the Division of TennCare began coverage of rapid at-home tests with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) through the OptumRx Pharmacy Point of Sale System.
For further questions, please contact OptumRx Provider Liaisons at tnrxeducation@optum.com
Also in Tennessee, please see updates to the TennCare Preferred Drug List, Clinical Criteria, TennCare Branded Drugs to be Classified as Generics and Interim Criteria below for February 2022. These changes went into effect on February 1st.
- Added to preferred: molnupiravir, Paxlovid
- Added to non-preferred: sertraline capsules
- Added to interim: Bylvay, Qulipta, Scemblix, Invega Hafyera, Lybalvi
- BaG removals: Xopenex, Uloric
Finally in Tennessee, Lucy A. Shell, PharmD, TPA’s Director of Pharmacy Practice Initiatives and former Interim Executive Director, was named Executive Director for the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, effective Feb. 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
The Board of Pharmacy updated the quick reference guide for prescriptions for dangerous drugs (non-controlled) and controlled substances (Schedules II – V) that may be dispensed.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Virginia
The Department of Health has issued a Standing Order to help pharmacies adjudicate test kit claims and receive reimbursement. It has been posted on the VDH website, but here is the direct link as well.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Washington
The Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now a covered benefit under the Family Planning Only programs, effective February 1, 2022. For billing information, please refer to the Family Planning Billing Guide on the HCA website.
Also in Washington, in advance of the February 3rd House Finance Committee hearing, NACDS sent letters to members of the Committee and leadership stating our opposition to HB 2091, legislation that would increase the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on prescription drug wholesalers.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Alabama
The newest Medicaid ALERT regarding COVID-19 “At Home” Tests billed through pharmacy can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
California
The Board of Pharmacy distributed the following:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for Pharmacists
- Joint Statement on Western States Recommendation of Expanded Pfizer – BioNTech Booster Eligibility for 12- to 15-Year Olds
- Statement Regarding Dispensing Prescriptions Not Transmitted Electronically
- Information and Additional Resources Regarding e-Prescribing Requirements
Also in California, the following alerts have been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
- Medi-Cal Rx Coverage of OTC COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits (January 26)
- Prior Authorization Required: Reject Code 75 (January 26)
Finally in California, the Office of Administrative Law has approved amendments to the following regulations:
- Pharmacists Initiating and Administering Vaccines. (Effective immediately)
- Address Change Notification. (Effective April 1)
- Ownership, Management, and Control of Pharmacies and Other Regulated Business Entities. (Effective April 1)
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
On February 14, the Board of Pharmacy is holding a Joint Stakeholder meeting to allow interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed revisions to the Statewide Protocol for Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptive Patches and Oral Contraceptives, and the Colorado Self-Screening Contraception Risk Assessment Questionnaire
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.