On October 13, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) signed Executive Order No. 21-15 — Further Health Care Workforce Capacity, including language waiving “Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2866.01 and its implementing regulations… to permit pharmacists to have any number of pharmacist interns and pharmacy technicians under their supervision insofar as they determine it necessary within their professional discretion when administering vaccinations…”. It took immediate effect and will remain in effect until December 31, 2021.

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the next weekly COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on October 20 at noon (Central).

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

The 471-000-540 Nebraska Medicaid Practitioner Fee Schedule for Injectables was updated effective October 1.

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

Effective October 1, all Medicaid beneficiaries will automatically receive full Medicaid benefits, including dental, vision and over-the-counter drugs as part of the Medicaid Expansion program. A new Medicaid card will not be needed for people who have current Medicaid coverage. Recall this change to the Medicaid Expansion program occurs as a result of the Department of Health and Human Services’ notice not to implement the Heritage Health Adult (HHS) demonstration that would have required engagement in wellness, personal responsibility and community engagement activities to quality for full Medicaid benefits.

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the next weekly COVID-19 Medicaid Provider call will take place on October 6 at noon.  Information to access the call has been posted on the DHHS website.

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

The Department of Health and Human Services issued a Health Alert Network Update notifying healthcare providers and facilities that COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has a new indication for post-exposure prophylaxis via emergency use authorization.  As of September 13, the US Government began allocating mAb therapy; infusion sites will no longer order mAb therapy directly from distributors. 

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

The Board of Pharmacy met in-person earlier this week on September 13 and distributed the draft meeting minutes from its two prior meetings held on July 26 and August 16.  NACDS will share the draft meeting minutes from the September meeting once available.

Also in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued several updates:

• The next COVID-19 Provider call will take place on September 22 at noon. Information to access the call has been posted on the DHHS website.
• Provider Bulletin 21-19 includes information related to the following:
  • Full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older, which does not change the reimbursement rate;
  • Coverage of an additional dose of some COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised individuals; and
  • A change in the number of additional fees that can be reimbursed for at-home vaccine administration.
• Provider Bulletin 21-18 includes a reminder that effective October 1, Heritage Health Adult will move from a two-tier benefit system to a single benefit package, including comprehensive physical and behavioral healthcare as well as vision, dental and over-the-counter drug coverage. A series of one-hour educational webinars have been scheduled for providers regarding these changes.  See bulletin for dates and times.

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

The Department of Health and Human Services is moving to an internet-based licensing system called LANCE (Nebraska Licensing and Certification Environment) in late 2021 with full implementation planned in 2022.

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

The Department of Health and Human Services announced the COVID-19 Ad-Hoc Schedule 3rd Dose Vaccine Update.  Effective date was August 12, 2021. 

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

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid approved the Department of Health and Human Services’ State Plan Amendment for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) on August 17.  MAT is a covered service for all Medicaid beneficiaries meeting the medical necessity criteria for the service beginning October 1 and ending September 30, 2025. 

Also in Nebraska, Provider Bulletin 21-18 includes two important updates: 

• Starting October 1, the Heritage Health Adult (HHA) will move from a two-tier benefit system to a single benefit plan, meaning all adults enrolled in HHA will receive full state plan coverage including comprehensive physical and behavioral healthcare plus vision, dental and over-the-counter drug coverage. 

• Medicaid and Long-term Care will be hosting one-hour educational webinars to provide information about the Medicaid Expansion program. 

Finally in Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that COVID-19 Medicaid Provider Calls will resume on September 1. 

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

The DUR Board will meet on September 14.  The following materials have been posted on the website: agenda, policy statements and July 13, 2021 draft meeting minutes.   

Also in Nebraska, the Board of Pharmacy will conduct a conference call meeting on August 16.  The agenda with information to access the conference call and a link to the draft regulations (172 NAC 134) related to “delegated dispensing permits” have been posted. 

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