The Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division (MHD), reminded covered entities to comply with all the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 340B Program rules, including the exclusion of using 340B stock for inpatient administration and the prohibition of duplicate discounts.

Also in Missouri, to raise awareness about Project Hep Cure, Josh Moore, the Director of Pharmacy at MO HealthNet, sent a message to healthcare providers on how to help cure Missourians of the disease. 

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

MO HealthNet completed the annual review of the pharmacy preferred drug list and utilization management edits.

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

The Department of Social Services (DSS) MoHealthNet (Medicaid) issued a Provider Bulletin announcing that effective April 1, 2024, due to the decrease in the Missouri Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (Pharmacy Tax), the adjustment to account for the Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions will be decreased. 

Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy emailed Pharmacy Technician Renewals on March 1, 2024, but is concerned that many pharmacy technicians have not renewed. Email address and address changes can be submitted online, faxed to 573/526-3464 or e-mailed. If a name change is required, a copy of the driver's license, marriage certificate or divorce decree is required. Be sure to include your name and license number on all correspondence to the Board. 

Finally in Missouri, with less than two weeks remaining in the regular session, SB 751, 340B legislation pharmacies support because it allows patients greater access to pharmacies and enhances enforcement provisions, passed the Senate by a vote of 28-3 and is pending further action in the House. 

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

The House Health & Mental Health Committee held a hearing Monday on PBM reform legislation, HB 1627 by Rep. Dale Wright. More than 40 pharmacists showed up at the Capitol to voice their support. The theme of the day was “Enough is enough” with PBM abuses. Go to the Missouri Pharmacy Association’s (MPA) website for more information.

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

On March 4, the House Health and Mental Health Committee will hold a hearing on HB 1627, legislation pharmacies support that would bring some much-needed PBM reforms. The Missouri Pharmacy Association is organizing a rally at the Capitol on Monday, urging pharmacists and technicians to show up at 11:00 am to tell legislators that "Enough is enough" with PBM abuses. 

Also in Missouri, the Board of Pharmacy's February 2024 newsletter was posted on the Board's website. 

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

MO HealthNet, Medicaid, is conducting a survey regarding the implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act's prescription drug monitoring program mandate. 

Also in Missouri, pharmacy technician renewals e-mail address and address changes should be submitted to the Board by February 15. Submit either online, by fax (573-526-3464) or by email to https://pr.mo.gov/pharmacists-coa.asp. Name changes require a copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree or driver's license. 

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

MO HealthNet (MHD) issued Bulletin 46-38 announcing that due to the decrease in the Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance (Pharmacy Tax), the adjustment to account for the Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions was decreased effective January 1, 2024. In-state pharmacy providers receive a professional dispensing fee of $12.22, plus an adjustment to account for the cost of the Missouri Pharmacy Reimbursement Allowance attributable to Medicaid-reimbursed prescriptions. The professional dispensing fee plus the current adjusted amount will total $12.65. Out-of-state pharmacy providers continue to receive a professional dispensing fee of $8.85. Long-term care pharmacy providers supplying covered drugs to participants in long-term care facilities continue to receive an additional $0.50 dispensing fee. 

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

The Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA) is asking pharmacies to distribute this one-pager to educate and help facilitate action on PBM reform legislation.  

Also in Missouri, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the MO HealthNet Division's (MHD) application for substance use disorders (SUD) 1115 Demonstration Waiver, effective January 1, 2024. 

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

Missouri became the final state in the country to implement a statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Its new online system allows healthcare professionals to track patients' drug histories in an electronic database. As per the new law passed two years ago, dentists, doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals who dispense controlled substances will now be required to enter patient and prescription information into the database. 

Also in Missouri, the Department of Social Services (DSS) MO HealthNet Provider Bulletin Volume 46 Number 34 confirmed that starting November 29, 2023, authorized pharmacy providers can bill for COVID-19 vaccines regardless of Vaccines for Children (VFC) enrollment or participant age. Retail pharmacies can only bill if the prescribing provider is an enrolled MO HealthNet pharmacist. Other VFC vaccines must still be administered by a VFC provider. 

Finally in Missouri, MO HealthNet made changes to the Preferred Drug Listing for Insulin Agents effective January 9. 

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