The Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Vendor Drug Program (VDP) published information on pharmacy coverage of COVID-19 test kits.
Also in Texas, Beginning May 31st, HHSC will stop using the Texas Medicaid Standing Order for Mosquito Repellent. Pharmacies must obtain a prescription from a Medicaid-enrolled prescribing provider to dispense mosquito repellent beginning June 1, 2022, for Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Healthy Texas Women (HTW). HHSC has extended the effective date of the current standing order until May 31, 2022, to ensure providers have adequate notice regarding upcoming changes to the mosquito repellent benefit. Pharmacy staff may obtain a copy of the extended standing order by submitting a request via email to vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us.
Pharmacies or pharmacists not operating under the standing order will require a prescription from a valid healthcare provider before dispensing mosquito repellent to people enrolled in Medicaid. Pharmacies may use the standing order if a new prescription or a refill is required until May 31, 2022. Afterward, the terms of the standing order will no longer be valid. For refill requests, pharmacies should not contact or fax Dr. Van Ramshorst, the physician signing the standing order. Refer to the mosquito repellent section of the Pharmacy Provider Procedure Manual for more information about the benefit.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.