HB 173, legislation related to the inclusion of retail pharmacies as in-network providers, failed a vote to be introduced. In an even-numbered year, bills in Wyoming must pass a vote in order to be formally introduced.
Also in Wyoming, SF 0100, legislation related to prompt payment of clean pharmacy claims, passed the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) on February 21.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
NACDS submitted a letter to the Senate Finance and Commerce Committee in support of SB 1165, expanding PBM reforms in the state. The bill would prohibit PBMs from deploying discriminatory reimbursement practices that favor pharmacies affiliated with and under common control of the PBM over other, non-affiliated, network pharmacy providers. Additionally, the bill also includes provisions that would strengthen the state’s existing laws for audits conducted by PBMs, preventing PBMs from engaging in audit practices that penalize pharmacy providers for clerical or administrative issues on claims for covered medications that otherwise are payable.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
Legislation pharmacies are supporting, HB 24-1045, which includes language in Sections 7 and 8 on pharmacy treatment and payment for substance use disorders (SUDs) is scheduled for a hearing on February 20 in the House Health and Human Services Committee.
Also in Colorado, the Colorado Pharmacists Society’s (CPS) Pharmacy Day at the Capitol is February 28.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
The Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) provided pharmacy updates approved by the Drug Utilization Board.
Also in Indiana, SB 192, legislation allowing a pharmacist to administer any immunization that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under a drug order, a prescription or a physician protocol, died in the House Appropriations Committee. Current law restricts the types of vaccines that can be administered under a physician protocol.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
HB 2747, legislation that would allow pharmacists to provide HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), was referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Services.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
A bill that would apply many of the PBM reforms adopted in Medicaid to commercial and state employees’ plans has been introduced. SB 188 is sponsored by Sen. Max Wise (R), a longtime advocate of PBM reform. A few of the provisions included in this comprehensive bill include: a NADAC and Medicaid Dispensing Fee rate floor, anti-steering and anti-mandatory mail order language, a broad definition of specialty pharmacy and a formula to determine network adequacy.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.
The Department of Health’s (LDH) Informational Bulletin 24-3 providing Medicaid immunization fee schedule updates has been posted.
Also in Louisiana, providers who bill for medically necessary services for specialized mental health and substance use services for dual eligibles for Medicaid enrollees should follow the process detailed in LDH’s Informational Bulletin 15-17.
Also in Louisiana, LDH’s Informational Bulletin 24-2 provides the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria updates for adult substance use services.
Finally in Louisiana, the agenda for the February 21 Board of Pharmacy meeting should be available on the website soon.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.
On February 12, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its standing order regarding COVID-19 at home tests. The Standing Order authorizes licensed pharmacists to create a prescription for the over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 at home tests for eligible MaineCare members.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.