The Department of Human Services, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise issued Informational Letter No. 2225-MC-FFS-CVD announcing the $40 administration rate per COVID-19 vaccine dose is effective April 1, 2021. This is $80 total for a two-dose series and $40 for a single-dose vaccine.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Board of Pharmacy issued guidance on a recent amendment to the federal PREP Act that added retired and inactive pharmacists and pharmacy interns and certain student pharmacists to the list of health care professionals authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines. The PREP Act provides immunity from liability for covered persons.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.
The Department of Human Services has created a Frequently Asked Questions webpage in place of answering billing questions via Informational Letter. Please visit the above link to review the FAQs and responses from the Department.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Public Health has added new documents to its COVID-19 website pertaining to pharmacy, including billing and reimbursement information for administering the COVID-19 vaccination and updates to the statewide standing order as of December 30.
Also in Iowa. the Department of Human Services issued a final rule amending regulations to allow automatic prescription drug refills, with participation in such a program being voluntary and opt-in only, on a drug-by-drug basis, and to establish standards. The rule is effective on March 1, 2021.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued an Informational Letter with details about how Medicaid enrolled pharmacists may order and administer vaccines in compliance with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Immunizations Statewide Protocol which becomes effective June 1, 2021.
Also in Iowa. DHS issued the report from its 2020 Cost of Dispensing survey. Based on the data collected in the survey, the dispensing fee will increase from $10.07 to $10.38. However, NACDS is working with partners and the State to understand how this will be implemented.
Lastly in Iowa. The Department of Public Health regularly updates its COVID website with new information, including a December 1 update to its COVID 19 Vaccine Information Brief. Please visit the above websites for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Public Health issued a new COVID-19 Vaccination Issue Brief on November 17. Topics include vaccine provider enrollment clarifications, vaccine assumptions, and Immunization Registry Information System information. Healthcare provider questions regarding COVID-19 vaccine can be directed to the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 1-800-831-6293 ext. 1 or emailed to COVID19Vaccine@idph.iowa.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Department of Human Services published the findings from a recent Cost of Dispensing Study. The report reflects the mean cost of dispensing, weighted by Medicaid volume, was $10.38 per prescription for all pharmacies including specialty pharmacies, up from $10.07. The current dispensing fee of $10.07 will remain in place until additional state funding is appropriated by the legislature. A state plan amendment would also be required if funding is approved and the increase would be prospective following CMS approval of the state plan amendment. The report can be found on the COD website.
Also in Iowa. The Board of Pharmacy published a response to HHS Guidance Related to the Administration of Immunizations and COVID-19 Tests. More information can be found here.
Also in Iowa. The Department of Public Health issued a COVID-19 Vaccine Information Brief and is regularly adding materials to its main web COVID-19 Vaccine Information web page. Please visit the above links for more information.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The Board of Pharmacy issued a response to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ (R) October 16 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency. All previous pharmacy regulatory relief provisions remain in place through November 15, 2020.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement is now available online. According to the state, Iowa health care providers who intend to provide COVID-19 vaccines need to complete the COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccination Provider Agreement via a REDCap survey. Also please see the FAQ from the Department of Public Health. Questions regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Agreement can be directed to the IDPH Immunization Program at 1-800-831-6293 or COVID19Vaccines@idph.iowa.gov.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.
