The Iowa Medicaid Cost of Dispensing survey’s deadline of March 26th has been extended to April 30, 2020.
Also in Iowa... The Iowa Department of Human Services issued an Informational Letter announcing temporary fee-for-service and managed care policy changes pertaining to signature requirements, audits by Pharmacy Benefit Management companies, prior authorizations, and more.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
As a result of a bill signed into law this week by Gov. Andy Beshear, NACDS will have a direct voice in setting new reimbursement rates in Medicaid Managed Care. SB 50, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, will provide significant financial relief to pharmacies by prohibiting the claw-back of reimbursement in Medicaid Managed Care. Additionally, the new law will require the Department of Medicaid Services, with the input of pharmacy, to set reimbursement rates in Managed Care. The intent of this provision is to move to cost-based reimbursement plus a professional dispensing fee. Notably, the law establishes a Technical Advisory Committee on Pharmacy on which NACDS has the power to appoint an advisor. The Committee report is due by Dec. 1, 2020. NACDS supported the efforts of the Kentucky Retail Federation, the Kentucky Pharmacists Association and members to pass this law. NACDS lent its official support to provisions of the law that align with our reimbursement campaign.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Although Gov. John Bel Edwards extended the statewide stay at home order to April 30, 2020 on March 31st, the legislature reconvened their legislative session for about an hour before adjourning again because of coronavirus concerns. They did not set a return date. As you recall, the regular session opened March 9th was suspended March 16th. Session will end June 1, 2020 although a special session could be held immediately afterward. All spending bills must be approved before the fiscal year begins July 1, 2020.
Also in Louisiana... The last day for filing bills was also Tuesday, and there were two dozen bills filed mentioning coronavirus. NACDS continues to stay in close contact with our pharmacy champions that have filed our payment parity and immunization bills, and is working with the Louisiana Independent Pharmacy Association on both filing a bill and seeking a statewide protocol for pharmacists to test and dispense antiviral medications. Over the past week, we initiated two meetings with Medicaid to promote our model language for access to essential medications.
Also in Louisiana... The Board of Pharmacy convened a special Board meeting via conference call on April 2nd to discuss guidelines related to COVID19. Link to agenda – http://www.pharmacy.la.gov/assets/docs/Board/2020-0402_1_AgendaBdMtg-T.pdf
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued an Informational Letter outlining temporary policy changes pertaining to early refills and signature requirements for both fee-for-serice and Managed Medicaid.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Following Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) Executive Order, Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead modified requirements to allow 90-day refill limits for prescription maintenance medications. The Board of Pharmacy is regularly updating its Frequently Asked Questions document, so NACDS members are encouraged to review it for new information
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Nebraska Pharmacists Association (NPA) has developed protocols for point of care testing of strep and flu via collaborative practice with a physician. NPA indicates that once an agreement is in place, the Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medicine must be notified.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske announced that the June 9, 2020 primary election will be conducted entirely through mail-in ballot due to concerns and uncertainty related to COVID-19
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services and the State Health Director requested that the Medical Board and the Board of Pharmacy adopt the COVID-19 Drug Preservation Rule in order to alleviate shortages and ensure that these drugs are available to patients who need them. The Pharmacy Board’s emergency rule is found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Department of Human Services issued a Frequently Asked Questions document, including information pertaining to a temporary policy change to allow 34-day fill on all initial prescriptions.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.