The Department of Health (LDH) Secretary Bruce Greenstein and the pharmacy Medicaid staff hosted a pharmacy stakeholders virtual meeting on June 10 to discuss LDH’s plans for transitioning from the costly sole source Prime PBM contract back to multiple Medicaid managed care contracts.

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

The new Secretary of the Department of Health (LDH), Bruce Greenstein, announced that LDH will transition away from the single PBM that the previous administration adopted in October 2023. Citing the closures of independent and chain pharmacies that threaten patient access, the Secretary is launching a new approach to the pharmacy Medicaid program to reduce the middleman's impact. LDH pledged to work closely with pharmacists and managed care organizations (MCOs) to ensure the best approach to managing pharmacy benefits and operate a pharmacy program that ensures access, controls expenses and safeguards the financial stability of the state's Medicaid system. 

Also in Louisiana, the Council on Medicaid Reimbursement, on which NACDS has a designated seat, held the Council's monthly meeting on May 22. In addition to the regular agenda, LDH staff fielded questions on why they transitioned away from the single PBM. 

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

The state Surgeon General Ralph Abraham sent a directive to state health workers on February 13, 2025, ending long-standing mass vaccination clinics and banning staff from promoting seasonal vaccines. Abraham also issued a letter to the public criticizing the state’s COVID response and public health institutions.

Also in Louisiana, NACDS submitted a letter supporting the proposed rules implementing House Bill 579 which we passed in 2024, enabling pharmacists to offer HIV prevention services.

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

NACDS serves on the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Advisory Council that will be meeting on February 5 at the Board of Pharmacy offices in Baton Rouge.

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

The Department of Health (LDH) Medicaid updated the immunization fee schedules reflecting coverage of the influenza vaccines for recipients of all ages and changes related to Vaccines for Children (VFC).

Also in Louisiana, the Louisiana Alliance for Retail Pharmacies (LARP) reported on the November special session on tax reforms that adjourned sine die on November 22. Unfortunately, the attempt to exempt prescription drugs from local sales tax was not successful. The local sales tax collectors claimed their revenue losses from not taxing prescriptions would be much higher than what the state forecasted. Legislators were hesitant to approve the sales tax exemption with such varying estimates of the revenue losses.

Also in Louisiana, LARP attended the Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting and shared this update on regulations:

(1) Legislative Proposal 2025-A ~ Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Record Retention (Draft #1)- Approved

(2) Regulatory Proposal 2024-G ~ Pharmacist-in-Charge Requirements (Draft #2)- Approved

(3) Regulatory Proposal 2024-H ~ Emergency Drug Kit (EDK) Permit (Draft #1)- Approved

(4) Regulatory Proposal 2024-I ~ Marijuana Pharmacy (Draft #1)- Approved

(5) Regulatory Proposal 2025-J ~ Pharmacy Technician Certificate Qualifications (Draft #1)- Approved

Finally in Louisiana, effective January 1, 2025, Louisiana Medicaid is implementing changes to the Single Preferred Drug List (PDL). Most of the brand drugs that were previously preferred over the generic versions will be moved to a non-preferred status. Revlimid® brand will remain co-preferred with the generic version.

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

Legislators returned to Baton Rouge earlier this month for the third session this year to consider Gov. Jeff Landry’s (R) tax overhaul package.

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health issued Informational Bulletin 24-42 updating the immunization fee schedules.

Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy continues to make progress on the proposed rule changes expanding the eligibility criteria for obtaining a pharmacy technician candidate registration by providing alternatives to a board-approved, nationally accredited pharmacy technician training program. The proposed rule changes remove the definition of Training Program and instead define Pharmacy Technician Educator, which includes a board-approved, nationally accredited training program, a Louisiana Department of Education program with a pharmacy technician career path and a Louisiana licensed pharmacist providing training in a permitted pharmacy. The Board submitted the second summary report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health & Welfare.

Also in Louisiana, after the August public hearing on Automated Medication Systems (AMS), the Board submitted the second summary report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health & Welfare.

Also in Louisiana, since five of the Board members’ terms expired on June 30, 2024, Gov. Jeff Landry (R) appointed Andy Soileau to replace Blake P. Pitre, who had served 42 years on the Board, and Butch Ray to replace Rock LeBas. The Governor also reappointed pharmacist Robert Cloud, Kevin LaGrange and consumer member Don Resweber.

Also in Louisiana, the Department of Health (LDH), in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC), submitted an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for an 1115 demonstration waiver to improve access to critical pre- and post-release services for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are incarcerated. This new waiver would allow Louisiana Medicaid to provide approved substance use treatment services, case management and a 30-day supply of all prescription medications to eligible individuals.

Finally in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy will meet on November 19-20, 2024; new officers and committee chairs will be chosen during this meeting.

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

Gov. Jeff Landry (R) announced a special session on November 6 focused on revamping the state's tax structure. Governor Landry hopes to overhaul the state's current tax system by reducing income tax and charging sales tax on additional items. If the legislature approves tax reforms, voters will need to ratify the proposals in March 2025 so they can become law.   

Also in Louisiana, the Board of Pharmacy provided the Prescription Monitoring Program's Advisory Council with the third quarter update on the program. 

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

The Department of Health (LDH) Bureau of Health Services Financing issued a notice informing Medicaid Pharmacy providers of the upcoming beneficiary third party liability (TPL) data migration that will begin on November 4, 2024. The TPL migration applies to pharmacy claims submitted to Gainwell for Fee for Service (FFS) and to Prime Therapeutics for MCOs (Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Healthy Blue, Humana Healthy Horizons, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and UnitedHealthcare).

Also in Louisiana, LDH issued an Informational Bulletin 24-37 updating the immunization fee schedule for 2024-2025.

Finally in Louisiana, on October 1, legislation signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry (R) made Louisiana the first state to classify mifepristone and misoprostol, two abortion-inducing drugs, as controlled dangerous substances. While the drugs are still available with a prescription, they are now classified in the same category as some opioids.

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

The Department of Health issued Informational Bulletin 24-33. Open Enrollment for Medicaid members starts on October 15 and ends on December 2. During this period, members may change their health or dental plans without a qualifying reason.