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.

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise issued an informational letter announcing changes to the Preferred Drug List effective October 1. Among other policy changes included in the Informational Letter, prior authorization is now needed for 90 morphine equivalent units (MME), reduced from 120 MME.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.

The Department of Human Services issued an Informational Letter outlining Medicaid flexibilities in response to the Derecho disaster. Flexibilities outlined in the letter pertain to prior authorization, early refills, and telehealth.

Also in Iowa. The Department of Human Services announced another delay of the effective date of a final rule that amends regulations under 441 IAC 78 and 79 regarding covered prescription and nonprescription outpatient drug policies. The rule revises the list of covered nonprescription drugs, the quantities of prescribed drugs, refill requirements, drug reimbursement methodology, and credits for returned unit dose drugs not consumed. In addition, the rule addresses prior authorization limitations on medication-assisted treatment. The rule was scheduled to be effective February 12 and was delayed to August 11 except for provisions relating to automatic prescription refills, which will take effect in 2021.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Joel Kurzman at 847-905-0555.