The Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) is announcing the final extension of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The new expiration date is May 11, 2023, which correlates with the expiration date of the national emergency. A Provider ALERT will be forthcoming from Medicaid to communicate changes to services related to the COVID-19 PHE.  

During the COVID-19 emergency, it is important to file claims as quickly as possible to ensure payment from Medicaid is made to Medicaid providers close to the date of service. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has increased the federal matching percentage for the emergency time frame, but states can only receive the increased match on claims that are paid during the emergency. Providers should include appropriate COVID-19 diagnosis code(s) on claims submitted to help with tracking of COVID-19. 

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

Reminder, effective October 1, 2022, the Alabama Medicaid Agency removed the requirement of absence of alcohol and illicit drug use by recipients for the prior approval of antiviral drugs used in the treatment of hepatitis C. A copy of the patient’s drug and alcohol screening lab report is no longer required. All other criteria remain, including the patient consent form with the patient’s and physician’s signature, which must be submitted with requests. 

The updated Prior Authorization (PA) request form and criteria booklet should be utilized by the prescriber or the dispensing pharmacy when requesting a PA.  

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

All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are once again extended by the Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of March 31, 2023, or any expiration date noticed by Medicaid through a subsequent ALERT.

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

Medicaid is preparing for the end of the continuous enrollment conditions originally associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA) included significant changes to the continuous enrollment condition outlined in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). These changes take effect April 1, 2023. For more information, please review the ALERT.

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

The Alabama Medicaid Agency has removed the requirement of absence of alcohol and illicit drug use by recipients for the prior approval of antiviral drugs used in the treatment of hepatitis C. A copy of the patient’s drug and alcohol screening lab report is no longer required. All other criteria remain, including the patient consent form with the patient’s and physician’s signature, which must be submitted with requests.  

The updated Prior Authorization (PA) request form and criteria booklet should be utilized by the prescriber or the dispensing pharmacy when requesting a PA. Updated forms and criteria can be found here. 

Also in Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Pharmacy Division is asking that you complete the following ReadyOp survey if you are unable to obtain oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for your patients due to drug shortages or supply issues. The information provided through this survey will enable ADPH to assess potential oseltamivir shortages quickly and respond appropriately. 

The link will remain open until June 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to pharmacy@adph.state.al.us. 

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

On December 13, join the Alabama Pharmacy Association’s (APA’s) Year-End Continuing Education Webinar from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (CST) and earn two hours of live credit. Sessions will include “Pharmacy Law” with Stephen Brown, JD, PharmD, Assistant Professor, Samford-McWhorter, and “2023 Legislative Session Primer” with Bobby Giles, RPh, APA Government Affairs Director. Register on the APA website.

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

All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of December 31, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT. Medicaid is preparing now for the end of the COVID-19 PHE. Medicaid partners can assist in relaying a consistent and simple message to the Medicaid recipients by sharing key messages from the Agency in your newsletters, social media posts and other means of communication.

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

Pharmacist registrations expire December 31, 2022. The Board of Pharmacy is accepting pharmacist license renewals ONLINE ONLY at www.albop.com. The renewal fee is $100 plus $100 for a controlled substance permit. If you are changing your name, send proof of legal name change BEFORE YOU REGISTER ONLINE. If you fail to renew your license by December 31, 2022, but you continue to work as a pharmacist in any way, you will be subject to late fees and discipline. For more information, please contact the Board of Pharmacy directly at 205-981-2280.  

Also in Alabama, please see these updated ALERTS for billing for Stand-alone COVID-19 Vaccine Counseling for Recipients Under Age 21 and billing for Stand-alone Vaccine Counseling to Recipients Under Age 21.  

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

Reminder, Alabama Administrative Rule 420-4-1-.04 requires pharmacists to report to the State Health Officer or designee the dispensing of anti-tuberculosis medications and dispensing of antiretroviral medications to an infant.

Also in Alabama, all previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The new expiration date is the earlier of November 30, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT.

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