The Department of Health announce that the annual open enrollment for Healthy Louisiana Medicaid Managed Care program began on June 15 and will continue until Tuesday, July 31. During this time, Louisianans can choose a new health plan or do nothing and remain with their current plan. There are five health plans that deliver physical and behavioral health care services to the nearly 1.5 million Healthy Louisiana enrollees. Enrollment changes made during this time will go into effect on Saturday, September 1.

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

Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced that he will be convening a third special session for 2018 on Monday, June 18 through Wednesday, June 27 aimed at fully funding higher education.

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

The Department of Health has been working towards developing a single preferred drug list (PDL) to be used for both the Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) and the Medicaid managed care (MCO) programs, thereby replacing the six different Medicaid drug lists currently in use. Comments on the draft PDL will be accepted via email before Thursday, May 31.

Also in Louisiana…On May 22, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) convened a two-week special session to address a $648 million budget deficit. This is the sixth special session the Governor has called in the past two years. A balanced budget must be enacted by the start of the next fiscal year on Sunday, July 1.

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

Last week, the Department of Health (LDH) released a report on the economic impact of the Medicaid expansion, showing that the state has benefitted from Gov. John Bel Edward’s (D) Executive Order to bring more federal dollars to provide for the healthcare for the working poor.

Also in Louisiana…On April 16, Medicaid distributed a cost of dispensing survey to pharmacies so that they can update the professional dispensing fee. Completed surveys are due to Mercer by Friday, May 11.

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

On April 4, NACDS and Surescripts testified before the House Health and Welfare Committee in support of mandatory e-prescribing legislation, HB 538, introduced by Rep. Dustin Miller (D). The bill was amended to mandate e-prescribing for opioids only and was passed by a 7-4 margin.

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

The Department of Health (LDH) announced that Mercer will be conducting a mandatory cost of dispensing survey in mid-April 2018.

Also in Louisiana…LDH is hosting public forums across the state to solicit input on the Medicaid Managed Care program adopted in 2012.

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

On February 21, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) convened a special fiscal session of the legislature to deal with an estimated $1 billion shortfall for its 2018-2019 budget beginning on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

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

Effective January 16, the Department of Health renewed a standing order for naloxone allowing participating pharmacists to dispense naloxone to laypeople including caregivers and family and friends of an opioid user.

Also in Louisiana…Effective January 1, 2018, the final rule of the Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy, amended regulations under LAC 46.LIII, Chapter 9 to require pharmacy technician candidates to demonstrate proof of enrollment in a training program to qualify for the candidate registration was adopted. The rule also requires the training program selected by the candidate to be accredited by a national accreditation organization approved by the board. In addition, the rule requires applicants to demonstrate successful completion of a nationally accredited training program and makes technical changes regarding continuing education records and the scope of practice. Finally, the rule allows for additional board-approved technician certification examinations, clarifies terminations of enrollment, deletes a notification requirement for training programs and revises practical experience requirements for candidates enrolled in training programs.