NACDS submitted comments to the Senate Health Care and Wellness Committee in support of SB 503, which includes to ensure network adequacy, requirements that PBMs reimburse pharmacies at a minimum of the acquisition cost of a drug and an adequate professional dispensing fee (PDF) equal to the Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) PDF. Also, the bill prohibits steering patients, defines specialty drugs, prohibits certain fees, and provides additional oversight and enforcement in the Office of the Attorney General.

Also in Indiana, SB 140, a more limited PBM reform bill modeled after the Kentucky law, passed the Senate Health Care and Wellness Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further action. This bill requires the Insurance Commissioner to determine minimum reimbursement for a professional dispensing fee based on a cost of dispensing study done every two years. It also requires PBMS to file an annual report on adequate networks and establishes a process for filing complaints.

Also in Indiana, HB 1606, a bill prohibiting spread pricing, was referred to the House Insurance Committee.

Also in Indiana, SB 96, immunization clean-up legislation addressing age restrictions and the list of immunizations allowed to be administered by a pharmacist was referred to the Senate Public Policy Committee.

Finally in Indiana, HB 1571, a scope of practice expansion and clean-up bill, address multiple issues including immunizations, Test and Treat, pharmacy technician duties, MAT and payment for services. The bill was referred to the House Public Health Committee.

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

Additional PBM reforms, including filing of complaints to report PBM non-compliance with PBM laws, went into effect on January 1. Pharmacies may now send complaints to the Department of Insurance either using the online complaint form or emailing them to pbm@doi.idaho.gov. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy posted its June 2024 newsletter.

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

NACDS sent a letter to Gov. Brad Little (R) encouraging him to sign HB 596, legislation to further regulate PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) in the state and, on April 1, the Governor signed the bill and issued this transmittal letter. The bill includes provisions that would prohibit the use of “spread pricing.” HB 596 also provides other vital reforms, including requiring 100% pass-through of manufacturer rebates to plan sponsors to keep patient premiums low, requiring that in-network pharmacies receive reasonable dispensing fees and implementing full disclosure and transparency requirements between the PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) and the health plan, payor, and pharmacy. 

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

On March 18, Gov. Grad Little (R) signed HB 527,legislation putting into statute the current practices of pharmacy that were either part of rule or standard procedures, but not codified. This will give stability to the changes that have helped to expand access to pharmacy services in the state.  

Also in Idaho, HB 596, related to PBM (Pharmacy benefit managers) reform, was amended, and passed the Senate. It has been referred to the House Health & Welfare Committee for concurrence. This legislation would add new definitions; outline requirements that make contracts with pharmacies transparent and fair; require PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) to provide transparent pricing on drugs and require PBMs (Pharmacy benefit managers) to report to the Department of Insurance in a transparent way.  

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

HB 527 passed the House and was assigned to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee where it was reported out of committee with “Do Pass Recommendation.” If enacted, this bill puts into statute the current practices of pharmacy that were either part of rule or standard procedures, but not codified. This will give stability to the changes that have helped to expand access to pharmacy services in the state. 

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

This week, HB 596, related to PBM reform, was reported out of the House Health and Welfare Committee with a “Do Pass Recommendation”. This legislation would add new definitions; outline requirements that make contracts with pharmacies transparent and fair; require PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) to provide transparent pricing on drugs and require PBMs to report to the Department of Insurance in a transparent way. 

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

HB 596, related to PBM reform, was introduced and referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee. This legislation would add new definitions; outline requirements that make contracts with pharmacies transparent and fair; require PBMs to provide transparent pricing on drugs and require PBMs to report to the Department of Insurance in a transparent way.  

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

The Division of Career and Technical Education posted the Idaho Pharmacy Technician Critically Survey seeking input from industry representatives about what is most important for an entry-level employee to know or be able to do. The information will be used to develop program standards for high school pharmacy technician programs in the state.

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