Iowa
State Auditor Rob Sand announced the results of a recent audit about how PBMs manage prescription drug payments. The audit reviewed data from 2019-2021. The findings outlined in this report include concerns about compliance, financial integrity and oversight within Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Also in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed HF 2585, legislation directing the Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules to ensure that on or before January 1, 2027, if a person who is blind, has a visual impairment or other print disability requests access to prescription drug labels, bag tags and medical guides, a pharmacy provides access to prescription drug labels, bag tags and medical guides, or refer the person to a pharmacy that provides access to prescription drug labels, bag tags and medical guides. Additionally, on or before April 1 each year, the board shall publish a list on the board's website that contains the pharmacies that provide accessibility measures.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Maryland
The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) released version 2.0 of the Noncontrolled Prescription Drugs Dispenser Data Submission Manual (dispenser manual). This version includes non-substantive updates that clarify certain processes for reporting noncontrolled prescription drug (non-CDS) dispensing information to the State-Designated Health Information Exchange (CRISP). As a reminder, Maryland law (Health General Article §19-145) requires licensed dispensers to submit non-CDS dispensing information to CRISP. Annually, MHCC develops and approves the dispenser manual with technical guidance on the format and frequency for non-CDS reporting.
The MHCC is also seeking input on the following updates to version 2.0 of the dispenser manual:
- Updated images and descriptions of how to set up and manage an account in the reporting platform (RxGov) – pages 6-13
- Added information about new functionality in RxGov that allows submitters to assign roles for staff and to review and manage errors – pages 24-27
- Removed warnings for missing identifier in the RxNorm field and required an NDC for each dispense – Appendix A, pages 43 and 46
- Clarified instructions for submitting zero reports, including fields to complete and appropriate values – Appendix B, page 49
For more information on non-CDS reporting, please visit MHCC's dedicated webpage. Questions can be directed to mhcc.noncds@maryland.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services posted its presentation from the June Medicaid Pharmacy Liaison Committee meeting. Note that the deck contains timely information concerning how pharmacies can enroll to be reimbursed for clinical services.
Also in Michigan, the agenda for the June 17 Board of Pharmacy meeting has been released.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
New Hampshire
HB 1735 was passed by the General Court on June 4 and will be sent to Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) for enactment. The legislation includes several key provisions impacting pharmacy care, including establishing a statutory standard of care provision within the Pharmacy Practice Act, delinking vaccine administration authority from ACIP and creating a remote processing allowance for pharmacy technicians.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New York
With a favorable final vote in the Assembly of 133-0, the Patient Access to Pharmacy Act (S5939C/A5882C) passed both chambers of the Legislature this session and will be sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for enactment. The legislation will establish a reimbursement “floor” across all pharmacy network contracts in state-regulated commercial health plans based on the Medicaid fee-for-service rate, which is currently set at NADAC + $10.18. Additionally, the bill creates a payment appeals process for pharmacies dispensing higher cost medications that require special handling, increased delivery costs and other special services to ensure pharmacies receive an adequate dispensing fee to cover their costs in the specialty market. Advancing this legislation in partnership with the Community Pharmacy Association of New York has been a critical component of NACDS’ advocacy on pharmacy reimbursement this session.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Ohio
By a 31-2 vote, just before adjourning for summer, the Senate passed SB 230, that would permit pharmacists to test and treat for flu, strep and COVID under a Board of Pharmacy statewide protocol. The bill also requires insurance carriers and Medicaid to reimburse pharmacies for providing the services. We expect the House to take up the bill during the lame duck session in the fall.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Tennessee
Please see TennCare's recent updates to the Preferred Drug List (PDL), including changes to prior authorization (PA) criteria and quality limits, effective June 1. These updates may affect medication coverage, utilization management and prescribing processes across several therapeutic areas for patients with TennCare coverage.
Also in Tennessee, TennCare is currently conducting a cost-of-dispensing survey. The state, in collaboration with Mercer, opened the survey on June 1 and it will remain open through June 30.
An informational webinar was held on May 28 to review the survey process. If you anticipate needing an extension, please contact Mercer as soon as possible to discuss your options. Please note that the state is expected to continue applying a reduced dispensing fee of $5.00 for pharmacies that do not complete the survey.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Vermont
Gov. Phil Scot (R) signed NACDS priority legislation H.588 on June 8 to expand pharmacist test and treat authority across four conditions – Flu, Strep, COVID and HIV. The legislation received significant support from NACDS and its membership operating in the state and was widely endorsed by numerous in-state health groups and the Vermont Department of Health Access (DVHA). DVHA made recent references to the value of pharmacist test and treat services in its rollout of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grants.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Virginia
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For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Alaska
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For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the agendas for the following committee meetings:
- Communications & Public Education Committee Meeting – June 10
- Enforcement & Compounding Committee Meeting – June 10
- Legislation & Regulation Committee – June 11
- Licensing Committee Meeting – June 11
Finally in California, the Board of Pharmacy published the May 2026 issue of "The Script".
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
On June 2, Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed HB 26-1336, legislation supported by NACDS, that expands access to pharmacy healthcare services and authorizes payment for these services. The bill enables children aged 12 years and older to receive test-and-treat services directly at pharmacies. Additionally, it permits pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a pharmacist, to perform final product verification and other technical, non-discretionary tasks.
Also in Colorado, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) posted new information on the federal-level implementation of H.R. 1 because members and providers will be affected by these changes. HCPF updated the FAQs for stakeholders and for members, and created a work requirements screening tool. Also available are overview pages about H.R. 1 on both the Health First Colorado site and the HCPF site.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Florida
The Board of Pharmacy scheduled a Board Meeting for June 11 at 8:30 am EDT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Idaho
The Board of Pharmacy posted information related to prescriptive authority for chiropractors holding a clinical nutrition certificate.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Illinois
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a Provider Notice RE: Rybelsus Tablets to Ozempic Tablets. This change will apply to both the fee-for-service (FFS) program and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) plans. There are no changes to Ozempic injections.
Novo Nordisk informed the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) that it will discontinue all strengths of Rybelsus tablets, requiring patients to be transitioned to Ozempic tablets. Beginning in May 2026, shipments of Rybelsus tablets to wholesalers will cease, with existing inventory expected to become limited starting in July 2026.
Please see notice for details. Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Louisiana
The legislature adjourned sine die on June 1.
Also in Louisiana, the Pharmaceutical & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee updated the Preferred Drug List (PDL) that will take effect July 1.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Michigan
The Department of Health and Human Services released Bulletin MMP 26-20 announcing that Medicaid and other public programs will reimburse pharmacists for immunizations, lab testing, antiviral treatments and counseling and prescribing of hormonal contraceptives, effective July 1, contingent upon CMS approval. It also outlines the provider enrollment process.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed the following member priority bills into law:
- SF 4612 – Sets pharmacy reimbursement for Medicaid managed care prescriptions at NADAC+ $11.55 beginning January 1, 2027, until implementation of the Single PBM model is complete
- HF 3825 – Permits pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense and administer drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder (See lines 89.29, 94.18 and 96.3)
Also in Minnesota, the Department of Human Services contracted with Prime Therapeutics to serve as the single pharmacy benefits manager (SPBM) to administer the Medicaid managed care outpatient pharmacy benefit. The SPBM model, a result of 2025 legislation that NACDS was instrumental in advancing, is scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2028.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Missouri
The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) renewed the naloxone standing order with a June 2, 2027, expiration date.
Also in Missouri, effective June 1, MOHealthNet no longer offers manual overrides for pharmacy claims rejected due to missing or incorrectly formatted ICD-10 diagnosis codes under the Diagnosis Code Required Policy Edit, as found in the Pharmacy Clinical Edits and Preferred Drug Lists. Claims for agents included in the Diagnosis Code Required Policy Edit must include a valid, billable ICD-10 code to be processed successfully.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Montana
Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins signed the state’s waiver to ban soft drinks, junk food and candy from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Copies of both the waiver request and governor’s letter are available to provide details.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services issued Provider Bulletin 26-05 to clarify Medicaid coverage of prescribed "exempt" infant formula.
Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services posted the draft minutes from the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board's May 12 meeting. The next meeting will be held on August 18.
Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the first issuance of Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits. Summer EBT is available to families with eligible school-age children to help them buy groceries during the summer months. To align with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Summer EBT benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda or energy drinks, beginning this year.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nevada
NACDS, the Retail Association of Nevada and our chain members applauded Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) for directing the Board of Pharmacy to permanently withdraw the proposed staffing rules from the June 4 hearing agenda. The Governor made this decision after reviewing an independent analysis commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Applied Analytics, a well-respected Nevada-based consulting group and the Governor’s pollster. The analysis revealed that complying with the proposed rules would require hiring an unprecedented number of pharmacists statewide—far beyond the available labor supply. Furthermore, it conservatively estimated that compliance could cost retail pharmacies an additional $39.3 million in wages, threatening the sustainability of pharmacy services given Nevada providers’ already narrow operating margins.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Dakota
The 2026 North Dakota Immunization Conference will take place in Bismarck on June 23–24. This year’s conference features timely and impactful keynote presentations focused on strengthening immunization efforts and supporting healthcare professionals. The conference offers valuable education, practical strategies and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals from across the state. Attendees have the option to choose in person or online when registering. Early bird pricing ends on May 31.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Oregon
The Board of Pharmacy posted the June 10-12 Board Meeting Agenda and meeting materials. Additional meeting materials may be added to the agenda prior to the board meeting. Visit the board website for current meeting materials.
Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the June 17 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates prior to the meeting. Register in advance.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Texas
The Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth announced a leadership change at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Imelda Garcia, MPH, the current chief deputy commissioner at DSHS, will become the interim commissioner. Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, who has led DSHS since September 2022, was recruited by the Trump Administration to serve as the new Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy provided a summary of adopted and proposed rules from the May 5 board meeting.
Also in Texas, the House Public Health Committee convened a hearing on June 4 to address several interim charges. Topics included the implementation and rulemaking of legislation passed in 2025 related to rural health care (HB 18) and health and nutrition standards (HB 25). Members received updates on the progress of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The committee also heard testimony regarding telehealth, with a focus on evaluating virtual care models and their effects on access, cost, quality and patient outcomes. Finally, the committee was briefed on Texas's current and projected healthcare workforce shortages.
Also in Texas, the Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC) add all recommended adult vaccines to the Medicaid formulary as a payable pharmacy benefit beginning June 1. While adult vaccines were previously only covered under the Medicaid medical benefit, this rollout allows Medicaid to reimburse pharmacies for both the vaccine ingredient and administration costs for adults ages 19 years and older. To administer vaccines through the pharmacy benefit, a pharmacy must have an executed a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a licensed provider serving as a standing order. If there is no CPA, the pharmacy must obtain a patient-specific prescription from the treating clinician before administering the vaccine.
Also in Texas, the revised VDP Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual, including information about benefits, policies and procedures for outpatient pharmacy claims and rebates, is now available.
Also in Texas, the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative released its revised business plan that was submitted to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on June 1.
Finally in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appointed Jay Bueche to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Governing Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Board is tasked with developing a business plan to provide cost effective drugs and other medical supplies for the public employee sector.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.