California

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) posted the following bulletins, notices, and alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Please note the Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Pharmacy Retroactive Claim Adjustments. 

Also in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency in Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties due to fires. During a declared state of emergency, the Board of Pharmacy reminds licensees of information and state laws intended to help pharmacists provide prescription drugs – including controlled substances – for residents displaced because of emergency evacuation.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2023-09-08T11:01:36-04:00September 8, 2023|California|

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed Executive Order 23-171, declaring a state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has contacted the Medicaid Managed Care Plans, to ensure they are making the necessary preparations pre- and post-storm, including allowing for early prescription refills. Fee-for-service recipients are also eligible for early refills. The Department of Health has also issued Emergency Order 23-002, which allows for mobile pharmacies and an extension of the PDMP (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program) reporting requirements. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2023-09-08T11:00:40-04:00September 8, 2023|Florida|

Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) declared a State of Emergency ahead of the impact of Hurricane Idalia. The Board of Pharmacy has issued a statement seeking to remind pharmacy licensees in this time of emergency that the Board’s Policy #14 provides for the refill of certain medications for up to 30 days for persons in the areas covered by the State of Emergency. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

2023-09-08T11:00:11-04:00September 8, 2023|Georgia|

Indiana

As a result of the passage of legislation earlier this year that NACDS supported, HB (House Bill) 1568 allowing pharmacists who meet certain requirements to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered hormonal contraceptives, CMS approved the SPA (State Plan Amendment) giving pharmacists the ability to bill Medicaid for services associated with the prescribing of hormonal contraceptives.  

Also in Indiana, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) recently issued several Indiana Health Coverage Program (IHCP) bulletins of interest to pharmacies, including pharmacy updates approved by the DUR (Drug Utilization Review) Board, enhancements to the fee-for-service prior authorization submissions process and changes to the submission requirements for the FFS (Fee for Service) claim administrative review process. IHPC also provided new portal links to providers webpage.  

 

Also in Indiana, Cora Steinmetz, JD, is the new Medicaid Director, Family and Social Services Administration (FFSA). Previously, she was Senior Operations Director for health-related state agencies for Gov. Eric Holcomb (R).   

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2023-09-08T10:59:24-04:00September 8, 2023|Indiana|

Iowa

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2023-09-08T10:58:46-04:00September 8, 2023|Iowa|

Kansas

The Board of Pharmacy published a guidance document for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns administering immunizations. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2023-09-08T10:58:09-04:00September 8, 2023|Kansas|

Louisiana

The new Single Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) for Medicaid Managed Care will start on October 1, 2023. Magellan Medicaid Administration (MMA) will process all Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) pharmacy claims.   

  • A new Department of Health (LDH (Louisiana Department of Health)) Pharmacy portal still under construction website will go live on October 1, 2023.   
  • Pharmacy processing information for all six Medicaid MCOs (Managed Care Organizations) starting October 1, 2023:  
  • BIN Number: 025986   
  • NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs) Version/Release #: D.0   
  • Processor Control #: 1214172240 
  • Group ID: LAMCOPBM   
  • Magellan Rx Management Pharmacy Call Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 
  • The Member and Pharmacy Help Desk Phone Number is 1-800-424-1664  
  • Pharmacy Prior Authorizations (PA) phone number: 1-800-424-1664   
  • Fax Number: 1-800-424-7402  
  • Electronic: Enter prescriber PA at www.covermymeds.com
  • MRx encourages pharmacies to submit test claims prior to the transition during the testing window from August 28, 2023, through September 15, 2023. To participate, you will need to e-mail MRxPharmacyTesting@magellanhealth.com with your name, phone number, pharmacy National Provider Identifier, and Switch information to receive the testing packet.  

Also in Louisiana, state elections will be held this fall. The Primary will be held on October 14, and the General election will be on November 18. Tim Temple (R) is now running unopposed for Insurance Commissioner now that political newcomer Rich Weaver, dropped out of that race.  

Also in Louisiana, starting on October 1, LDH will reimburse pharmacies for glucose monitors and diabetics supplies, and add diabetic supplies to the Medicaid Single Preferred Drug List to have one list of preferred/non-preferred products. As of December 1, 2023, diabetic supplies will be limited to pharmacy claims only.  

Also in Louisiana, the next scheduled meeting of the Council on Medicaid Pharmacy Reimbursement is on September 13.  

Also in Louisiana, Kimberly Sullivan is the new Interim Executive Medicaid Director for the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), replacing Tara LeBlanc. 

Finally in Louisiana, LDH provided several updates for pharmacies.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2023-09-08T10:57:38-04:00September 8, 2023|Louisiana|

Massachusetts

The Board of Pharmacy updated two policy positions. First regarding unfilled prescriptions, Policy 2023-10 responds to the DEA’s new rules regarding the transfer of unfilled federally controlled substance prescriptions. Second regarding vaccine administration, Policy 2023-02 allows qualified pharmacy personnel to administer routine vaccines that are not yet on the Immunization Schedule (e.g., RSV vaccine), and Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) pharmacists may now also administer travel vaccines and other non-routine vaccines in accordance with their CDTM agreement. 

Also in Massachusetts, on September 12, the state legislature will be holding a hearing for the Joint Committee on Financial Services. This hearing will include HB 4066, an act relative to pharmacists as health care providers, making some of the test and treat language law.  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

2023-09-08T10:55:34-04:00September 8, 2023|Massachusetts|
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