DHS has published a  provider update with details about the November 4^th transition to the new claims processing system.  On October 16 they will host what they anticipate will be the last provider virtual meeting prior to implementation and have posted the call in information. Lastly, they have also released the payer specification document for claims processing and billing.

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

The Department of Human Services announced that the new pharmacy adjudication system implementation date has been delayed until November 4, 2024.

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

The Department of Health’s Rx Transparency team recently sent an email to pharmacies and other reporting entities providing further instructions for filing prescription drug pricing information that will be required later this year under law. Additionally, the email reminded pharmacies licensed in Minnesota that they are required to register an account with the Department of Health’s (MDH) Online Reporting Portal and report on the Public Interest Drug lists, stating that “pharmacies that have not yet registered should do so promptly and may use our Registration Quick-Start Guide (PDF) to get started.” For more information, visit: MN Rx Transparency Home Page, Information for Reporting Entities and Public Interest Drug Lists.

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

Several years of ongoing advocacy on priority issues resulted in a remarkably successful 2024 Legislative Session for pharmacy. At the end of session, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed Chapter 127 into law. The law includes the following reimbursement and scope of practice advances: 1) expanded pharmacy immunization authority to align more closely with the PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act by allowing pharmacists and technicians to immunize children for flu and COVID at age 3 years and all ACIP at age six years; 2) mandates that commercial insurers cover pharmacy-based services 3) increases the Medicaid FFS (Fee-for-Service) Dispensing Fee from $10.77 to $11.55 4) clarifies the definition of U&C (usual & customary) to exclude discount card programs; and 5) authorizes pharmacists to test for and administer PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PeP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications. NACDS has worked diligently during the last four session cycles with in-state partners and members to achieve these goals.

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

The Department of Health (MDH) recently released the Minnesota Prescription Drug Transparency: 2024 Report to the Minnesota Legislature (PDF). The report presents analysis of information reported to MDH through June 2023, provides a summary and timeline for the implementation of new work and assesses the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act’s (the Act) progress toward statutory goals. ​Key findings from this report include:

• There is notable interest in public data on drug prices, including from health care payers in Minnesota. In 2023, MDH saw more than 6,500 visits to its web pages dedicated to prescription drug price transparency.
• Price increases of reportable drugs affect many Minnesotans. More than 75,000 people living in the state used these drugs in 2022. Collectively, the increases contributed to additional health care spending of more than $53.2 million in 2022.
• Overall, many pricing trends are in line with previous reports. However, one notable departure is that data show prices for new drug introductions increased significantly with many new drug products priced over $3 million.
• Among the most expensive drugs reported, the prices for these drugs in Minnesota were higher than prices for the same drugs internationally.
• Many drug manufacturers continue to be out of compliance with the full requirements of the Act. Approximately 33% of reports have not been submitted (99 distinct manufacturers are delinquent for 775 total reports), and all reports have data quality issues upon initial submission.

MDH will continue to release updates on implementation on the MDH Rx Price Transparency website. For questions, please email health.rx@state.mn.us.

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

On April 12, the House Health and Finance Policy Committee will hear HF 3902, legislation that would increase the Medicaid Fee-for-Service Professional Dispensing Fee from $10.77 to $11.55 to match the most recent state cost of dispensing survey. Companion legislation in the Senate has already been heard and laid over for possible inclusion in the House Health Omnibus bill.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Senate Health Committee held a hearing on SF 1176 this week. The bill would update the state’s Pharmacy Practice Act to match the PREP Act’s immunization authority for pharmacists and technicians and clarify pharmacists’ ability to order CLIA-waived tests. Although the medical community testified in opposition, the committee appeared supportive of the bill and held it over for potential inclusion in the health omnibus bill package. A recording of the hearing is available online.

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

The Secretary of State announced open positions on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and the PDAB Advisory Council. Applications may be submitted on the Open Positions page. If you are interested in applying, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack to coordinate.

Also in Minnesota, the Department of Health (MDH) has opened registration to all manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers required to submit prescription drug price transparency reports. Beginning in 2024, prescription drug manufacturers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers will be required to report quarterly on drugs of substantial public interest identified by MDH. All reporting entities are required to register with MDH’s online reporting system beginning January 1, 2024. MDH’s guide to registering provides more detail on the process.

Upcoming Implementation Steps:

• January 1, 2024: registration requirement goes into effect
• By January 31, 2024: MDH releases the first list of drugs of substantial public interest for reporting
• Thirty (30) or more days after the drug list is posted, MDH will notify reporting entities of their reporting obligations; reporting entities have 60 days after the notification is sent to report
• Early 2024: MDH will release finalized reporting guidance

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

The Department of Health (MDH (Minnesota Department of Health)) shared the implementation timeline for expanded prescription drug price transparency reporting on drugs of significant public interest and ways to stay connected. Beginning in January 2024, pharmacies will be required to report pricing information.

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