Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a Civil Investigative Demand to CVS Health Corporation, owner of both the Caremark pharmacy benefit manager and hundreds of CVS retail pharmacies in Florida. The probe examines whether CVS/Caremark steers patients to its own locations, reimburses its affiliated stores more generously than independent pharmacies for identical prescriptions, imposes burdensome audits that claw back payments and enforces restrictive contracts that threaten small businesses. Such practices allegedly contribute to pharmacy closures and "pharmacy deserts," leaving families and seniors with fewer options and higher costs. The Civil Investigative Demand requires thousands of documents and sworn testimony on reimbursement rates, pharmacy contracts, patient steering, audits, rebates, differential treatment of own versus independent stores and expansion plans. Compliance is required by July 28.
Also in Florida, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care annual open enrollment (OE) season begins October 1 and ends November 30 for all enrollees in all regions. During open enrollment, enrollees may choose a different managed care plan or remain with their current plans. Enrollees will begin receiving OE reminder letters in July. All OE mailings will be completed by September 30. Beginning October 1, enrollees can request a plan change using one of the methods below. All plan changes requested will become effective on December 1.
- Text ENROLL to FLSMMC (357662). Enrollees will need the Medicaid ID number of each member and the account PIN number.
- Call 1-877-711-3662 to speak with a Choice Counselor.
Finally in Florida, the state's 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on July 20 and ends on August 20. Participation is mandatory. Retailers cannot opt out of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.
