Prior to the end of the regular session sine die on May 8, the legislature approved several bills pharmacies supported that have been signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis (D). 

• SB23-162, will increase access to pharmacy services, including (1) pharmacy technicians administering vaccinations, point-of care testing and technical tasks delegated by the pharmacist, (2) increasing the Pharmacy Technician ratio for central fill facilities to 8:1 and (3) allowing Medicaid to reimburse pharmacies for administering vaccines to children under 19 years old. 
• HB23- 1201, PBM reform legislation, eliminates spread pricing and provides for more transparency. 
• HB23-1227 enhances the Commissioners enforcement authority over PBMs. 

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

Legislation NACDS supports that would establish a registration process for PBMs and give the Insurance Commissioner authority to deny or revoke registration if the PBM violates laws or does not follow the prescribed process. Additionally, the bill would add maximum allowable cost (MAC) pricing protections, including specific provisions related to the appeals process. The bill passed the House and is pending in the Senate. (CO23-HB1227) 

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

SB 23-162, legislation chain pharmacies support that would increase access to pharmacy services by allowing a pharmacist to delegate to a pharmacy technician any task within the practice of pharmacy for which the pharmacy technician has been specifically trained, except for patient counseling, drug regimen review and clinical conflict resolution, was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on March 9. The bill also removes the pharmacy technician to pharmacist ratio at a central fill pharmacy, and it authorizes reimbursement under the medical assistance program for dispensing or administering vaccines to children under 19 years of age.  

Also in Colorado, HB 23-1201, a PBM reform bill that creates transparency and eliminates spread pricing, was introduced, and assigned to the House Health & Insurance Committee. 

Finally, March 15 is Pharmacy Day at the Capitol.  

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

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will be communicating to providers on rolling back certain flexibilities that will expire when the public health emergency.

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

The legislature convened on January 9, 2023. 

Also in Colorado, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is hosting an informational session on preparing for the end of the Public Health Emergency. This online seminar is geared toward community partners such as advocacy organizations, providers and community organizations that may provide other assistance to Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or CHP+ members. Register in advance for the January 25 online seminar scheduled from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm MST. 

Finally in Colorado, Prescription Drug Affordability Board established under SB21-175 is currently evaluating draft rules for the Upper Payment Limits. 

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

When the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared in January of 2020 in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 ends, everyone enrolled in Health First Colorado (Medicaid) was guaranteed to keep their health coverage during the PHE. However, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will take 12 months (14 months including noticing) to complete the renewal process for each of the approximately 1.6 million people currently enrolled. Medicaid members need to pay attention to renewal notices and fill out the necessary forms to make sure they keep their Health First Colorado and CHP+ coverage, if they are still eligible. 

Also in Colorado, on December 5, the HCPF sent the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) an official proposal to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. 

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

Gov. Jared Polis (D) named House Speaker Alec Garnett as his new chief of staff.

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

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) announced that Adela Flores-Brennan, MA, JD is the new Medicaid Director, reporting to Executive Director Kim Bimestefer. Flores-Brennan will also assume the role of Office Director, leading our newly titled Health Policy Office (formerly Health Programs Office), which designs, maintains and oversees Health First Colorado and CHP+ medical policies and contracts. HCPF also announced the formation of a new Office of Medicaid and CHP+ Behavioral Health Initiatives and Coverage being led by Cristen Bates who will serve as Director. Bates’ office will govern HCPF’s specific behavioral health policies, benefits, special projects, and strategies that were previously part of our Health Programs Office. Bates will hold the role of Deputy Medicaid Director.

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

Gov. Jared Polis' (D) administration and the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) announced partnerships with key supply chain partners that will help Colorado operationalize the importation of drugs. Colorado's Canadian Importation Program, once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), estimated it will save Coloradoans an average of more than 60% on prescription medications.  

Also in Colorado, on August 28 the Division of Profession and Occupations will hold a Joint Stakeholder online seminar with Pharmacy and other Healthcare Boards with prescriptive authority to solicit input from stakeholders on the implementation of House Bill 22-1115, clarifying certain provisions in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. 

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