The Department of Health Services is seeking to expand coverage of opioid treatment services in underserved geographic areas of the state and for underserved populations. More information about the request for proposals can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The CURES Act Fee Schedule has been updated and is available on the Alabama Medicaid website under the DME Fee Schedules section. All claims with dates of service on or after January 1, 2020 will be reimbursed with the 2020 rate. Additional questions may be directed to the Alabama Medicaid Agency DME Policy Unit at (334) 242-5050.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
The Board of Pharmacy recently adopted emergency regulations implementing SB 159, the PEP/PrEP law passed in 2019, and agreed to move forward with rulemaking to permanently adopt rules. These emergency regulations were sent to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) which has ten days to approve and file the regulations with the Secretary of State. Emergency rules are only effective for 180 days but can be readopted until permanent rules are adopted.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Senate Bil 714, testing for and treatment of influenza and streptococcus, was amended to remove streptococcus, heard and passed out favorably from the Senate Health Policy Subcommittee with a vote of 6-3 on February 19th. The next stop is the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. NACDS had previously written a letter in support of the bill.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
House Bill 386 – PBM Reform Legislation successfully passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee this week. The bill is now on the Senate 2nd reading calendar, prepared for final passage.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
A subcommittee of the Senate Human Resources Committee advanced SSB 3164 (formerly SF 2019), legislation to expand immunization authority and create statewide protocol for test and treat of strep and flu, despite concerns expressed by physician groups. NACDS asks members operating in Iowa to look for grassroots action alerts from the Iowa Pharmacy Association to engage the full Human Resources Committee.
Also in Iowa... The Senate Committee on Human Resources passed SF 123, legislation pertaining to collaborative practice in the commercial payer space. However, the Committee discussion will likely lead to future amendments to expand the bill to include Medicare and Medicaid, which could hinder further progress.
Also in Iowa... A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee advanced HSB 582, which would permit partial dispensing fees for partial fills. NACDS strongly opposes this legislation and is working with in-state partners to prevent further advancement of the bill.
Also in Iowa... A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee advanced HSB 685, legislation pertaining to Pharmacy Benefit Management companies. NACDS is reviewing the legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Courtney Phillips, was hired by Gov. John Bel Edwards to serve as the chief of the Louisiana Department of Health. Phillips is replacing former Secretary Rebekah Gee who announced her retirement last month as the head of Louisiana’s largest state agency.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing its series of Town Hall meetings across the State about the opioid epidemic. More information about the March 12 Town Hall in Sterling Heights, as well as future Town Hall dates and locations, can be found here.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Human Services has selected Mercer to perform the upcoming cost of dispensing survey per the State’s implementation of the CMS Covered Outpatient Drugs rule. NACDS will share more information as it becomes available.
Also in Minnesota... NACDS reviewed HF 3223 pertaining to biologics, determining it will remain neutral on the bill. NACDS has no historical position on the plan design issue addressed in the legislation. However, NACDS will monitor and has alerted members to this legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.