Arizona
Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) issued Executive Order 2024-03 “Protecting Reproductive Freedom Through Increased Access to Contraception.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
California
This week, SB 966 (Wiener) passed the Senate floor with a vote 39-0-1. SB 966 includes provisions that would prohibit the use of “spread pricing”. The bill would also provide other vital reforms, including requiring 100% pass-through of manufacturer rebates to plan sponsors to keep patient premiums low, prohibiting the steering of patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies and requiring PBMs to obtain a license to operate in the state.
Also in California, SB 1365, legislation increasing the pharmacist to pharmacy technician to 1:4, was placed on the suspense file by the Senate Appropriations Committee and, subsequently, held in committee.
Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alert and weekly report on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
Also in California, as a reminder, this will be the final opportunity to attest for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. For details, review “Pharmacy Provider Dispensing Fee Self-Attestation”. All attestations must be received by May 31 to be accepted. Attestations will not be accepted after closing on May 31; there are no exceptions.
Also in California, the Medi-Cal Rx Diagnosis Crosswalk Navigation, video and the Medi-Cal Rx Reinstatement – Implementation of Reject Code 80 video have been published.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed HB 7072, the Tax Package for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The package provides $1.07 billion dollars in tax relief and includes several sales tax holidays that provide Floridians with substantial sales tax relief.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Iowa
As a reminder, the cost of dispensing survey was to be mailed to pharmacies on May 22 and the deadline to respond is July 31. For details, see the Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid’s INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2584-MC-FFS Pharmacy Cost of Dispensing Survey 2024.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Louisiana
The Senate passed HB 579, the PEP/PrEP bill, as amended by a vote of 38-0. The bill now goes back to the House to concur with the Senate amendments.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Maine
The Board of Pharmacy posted the agenda for its next scheduled meeting on June 6.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Maryland
At its May 20 meeting, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board selected six prescriptions drugs for cost review studies.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Minnesota
The Department of Health (MDH) recently released the Minnesota Prescription Drug Transparency: 2024 Report to the Minnesota Legislature (PDF). The report presents analysis of information reported to MDH through June 2023, provides a summary and timeline for the implementation of new work and assesses the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act’s (the Act) progress toward statutory goals. Key findings from this report include:
- There is notable interest in public data on drug prices, including from health care payers in Minnesota. In 2023, MDH saw more than 6,500 visits to its web pages dedicated to prescription drug price transparency.
- Price increases of reportable drugs affect many Minnesotans. More than 75,000 people living in the state used these drugs in 2022. Collectively, the increases contributed to additional health care spending of more than $53.2 million in 2022.
- Overall, many pricing trends are in line with previous reports. However, one notable departure is that data show prices for new drug introductions increased significantly with many new drug products priced over $3 million.
- Among the most expensive drugs reported, the prices for these drugs in Minnesota were higher than prices for the same drugs internationally.
- Many drug manufacturers continue to be out of compliance with the full requirements of the Act. Approximately 33% of reports have not been submitted (99 distinct manufacturers are delinquent for 775 total reports), and all reports have data quality issues upon initial submission.
MDH will continue to release updates on implementation on the MDH Rx Price Transparency website. For questions, please email health.rx@state.mn.us.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
Montana
The Department of Labor and Industry is looking for a pharmacist to serve in a new third inspector position for the Board of Pharmacy. This position is responsible for performing pharmacy inspections around the state, issuing inspection reports, verifying licensure of pharmacy personnel and facilities, verifying compliance with state and federal statutes and regulations, and communicating with a variety of licensees and stakeholders. The application closing date is May 30. The job posting and instructions for applying are available online. If you have any questions, please contact Marcie Bough, Executive Officer, at (406) 841-2371.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Nebraska
The Department of Health and Human Services posted the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board draft meeting minutes from May 7.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
New York
On May 21, the Senate Committee on Higher Education reported favorably S9186, a bill to update shared pharmacy services. The bill will establish conditions under which resident or non-resident pharmacists and pharmacies may participate in shared pharmacy services. S9186 has previously passed the Assembly. NACDS will continue to advocate for final passage of the bill in the Senate.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Oregon
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has extended the deadline for the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) survey. The survey is being used to gather information about concerns, challenges, impacts, and opportunities related to the UPL process in Oregon. If you have not yet submitted a response, please do so by May 31. You can access the survey at the following location: https://mslc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39ijG1FM8LzFDMy
Please send any questions to the project team at PDAB@DCHB.Oregon.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Tennessee
On May 17, CMS approved Tennessee’s request to amend its Medicaid section 1115 demonstration, “TennCare III.” This amendment significantly changes its coverage and benefits, including eligibility for parents and caretaker relatives, introducing a new benefit to cover diapers for infants under the pharmacy benefit, enhancing home and community-based services (HCBS) focusing on employment supports and more. The Tennessee Pharmacy Association will work closely with TennCare leadership as the diaper program logistics are finalized.
Also in Tennessee, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association invites pharmacy teams to learn about the Department of Health (TDH) Health Trailblazers Initiative, a program aimed at enhancing the well-being of adult and perinatal populations by fostering vaccine confidence in clinical settings. This initiative seeks to build a collaborative network of healthcare providers dedicated to improving immunization practices and outcomes. Register now to join an informational session on May 28 from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm CT.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Texas
NACDS attended the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute’s Healthcare Policy Summit in Austin. Led by Republican Senators Pete Flores and Kelly Hancock and Representatives James Frank and Dr. Tom Oliverson, the program focused on exploring how to best expand the scope of practice for medical professionals to increase access to high-quality, affordable healthcare services for all Texans. Panelists Kevin Host with Walmart, Jay Bueche with HEB and Samatha Pickering with Walgreens, educated lawmakers and regulators on the value of pharmacists and pharmacies. A second panel addressed what steps legislators need to take to ease the regulatory burdens that drive up costs for consumers and employers.
Pictured left to right – Sen. Pete Flores (R), NACDS Chairman of the Board Kevin Host and Texas Rep. Dr. Tom Oliverson
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Vermont
On May 22, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular monthly meeting. The agenda included a legislative update, license review and an election for a new vice chair. The rules revisions the board has been working on will be sent soon to the Interagency Committee on Administrative Rules. The next meeting will be held June 24.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.
Alabama
The 2024 Legislative Session has adjourned. A Legislative Study Group is being developed over the summer to address the PBM issues in Alabama.
Also in Alabama, as a reminder, federal regulations require states to conduct a fingerprint-based criminal background check on providers or any person with five percent or more direct or indirect ownership interest in the provider who meets any of the criteria listed in the ALERT pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 455.450.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
Alaska
HB 226D, comprehensive legislation pharmacies supported to ensure patient choice of pharmacy, improve transparency and accountability in pharmacy benefit management and enhance the standards for pharmaceutical care across the state, passed the legislature and was sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) to sign into law.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Arizona
The Board of Pharmacy posted its recent newsletter.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Arkansas
On May 10, the Legislature adjourned its fiscal session sine die after adopting a $6.3 billion state budget.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
California
The Department of Health Care Servies posted this alert "Medi-Cal Rx Provider Portal Troubleshooting and Support". Visit the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal to see a historical listing of alerts, weekly notices, and monthly bulletins.
Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy posted the May 2024 issue of The Script.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Colorado
The General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 8.
Also in Colorado, SB24-168, legislation that requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to provide coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to Medicaid patients, passed both houses and will be sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) to sign into law.
Finally in Colorado, HCPF's Substance Use Disorder Stakeholder newsletter has been posted online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Indiana
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) published the Monthly Medicaid Financial Report webpage to provide transparency and information about expenditure, enrollment, and funding data of the Indiana Medicaid program.
Also in Indiana, the Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) issued updates approved by the Drug Utilization Board in April.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Iowa
The Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Medicaid posted the following:
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2564-MC-FFS Avastin® (bevacizumab) Billing
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2575-MC-FFS Updated Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Codes
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2576-MC-FFS New Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program Codes
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2579-MC-FFS-D Change of Ownership (CHOW)
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2584-MC-FFS Pharmacy Cost of Dispensing Survey 2024
- INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 2586-MC-FFS-D June 2024 Iowa Medicaid Pharmacy Program Changes
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Kansas
The Board of Pharmacy's May newsletter is available online.
Also in Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) reappointed Erick Axcell, PharmD, and Andy Truong, PharmD, to the Board of Pharmacy for an additional four-year term.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
Louisiana
The Department of Health (LDH) requested the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) start a new project that will span six months, ending September 30, 2024, requiring each MCO to thoroughly review and make corrections to their network reporting to eliminate inaccurate or outdated information.
Also in Louisiana, the May 14 issue of Pharmacy Facts announced that beginning July 1, 2024, Louisiana Medicaid is revising the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL), shifting both brand and generic versions of these drugs to preferred status. With the implementation of the new PDL, prescribing providers are advised to note "brand name necessary" on prescriptions where they want to ensure pharmacies fill their prescriptions with brand name drugs. Absent this notation, individual pharmacists will make the decision on whether to fill the prescription with brand or generic drugs. The new PDL will be posted online.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.