Sen. Santana has introduced SB 993,  a “trailer” bill that require insurers to reimburse pharmacies for the vaccination and test and treat services authorized under P.A. 97 of 2023. The bill was referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee and could see action as early as this fall.

Also in Michigan, the Department of Health, and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a final bulletin ending three temporary COVID-19 Medicaid Pharmacy provisions due to the COVID-19 PHE.

• HASA 22-02 – Authorization of U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) pharmacist prescriptive authority of oral antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19;
• MMP 22-29 – Coverage of FDA EUA COVID-19 monoclonal antibody injections by pharmacy providers; and
• L 22-04 – Stand-alone vaccine counseling services billed as a Medication Therapy Management service.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Health and Human Services issued a final bulletin related to the end of COVID flexibilities for OTC (Over-the-Counter) COVID tests and pharmacies as labs.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Board of Pharmacy posted the August 14 full Board and Disciplinary Subcommittee meeting agendas.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Health and Human Services issued two bulletins announcing the upcoming termination of coverage for certain pharmacy services due to the upcoming expiration of the federal PREP Act.

• 2419-Lab – Termination of COVID-19 Home Test Kit Coverage and Special Reimbursement for COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Clinic Vaccine Administration. Comments may be forwarded to the e-mail noted on the policy’s transmittal sheet.
• 2424-Pharmacy – End of the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) and Final Unwinding of Pharmacy COVID-19 Response Policies. Comments may be forwarded to the e-mail noted on the policy’s transmittal sheet.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Medicaid Bulletin MMP 24-19  was issued on May 31 to announce updates to the Medicaid Provider Manual.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the presentation from the June Medicaid Pharmacy Liaison Meeting. The slides include information on performing MTM (Medication Therapy Management) for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) treatment and COVID extensions that will end on September 30, 2024.

Also in Michigan, the Board of Pharmacy has posted the minutes from the June 4 regulation workgroup meeting.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Pharmacy Controlled Substance Administrative Rules have been revised and changes are effective as of May 31, 2024. One amendment of note is the removal of Gabapentin, meaning it is no longer classified as a controlled substance in the state. A prescriber without a controlled substance license can now prescribe Gabapentin, and Gabapentin no longer needs to be included in reporting to the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS).

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

Legislation introduced last week as HB 5435 and HB 5436 would allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal birth control to patients. The companion bill would require insurers to reimburse pharmacies for the prescription and consultation or other ancillary services including testing. It also requires that the insurer allow the pharmacy to bill the items and services under a service code at adjudication of the prescription claim.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) updated instructions for pharmacies to file PBM complaints on its PBM website. As a reminder, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Licensure and Regulation Act, PA 11 of 2022, took effect on January 1, 2024. This law introduces new licensing obligations and regulatory standards for PBMs operating in the state.  

Also in Michigan: The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is soliciting comments from the public on the Michigan Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary, which applies to pharmacy claims paid by Medicaid managed care organizations. The public may submit comments on the drugs included or not included on the Common Formulary, new drug products, prior authorization criteria, step therapy criteria and other topics related to drug coverage under the Common Formulary. Comments should be sent to formulary analyst Linda Van Camp by March 15. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.