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2020 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Bulova
Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Management by DMAS (language only)

Item 313 #28h

Item 313 #28h

Health and Human Resources
Department of Medical Assistance Services

Language

Page 321, after line 18, insert:

"GGGG. As a condition of this appropriation, the Department shall, not later than October 1, 2020, either directly or through a contracted pharmacy benefit manager, manage all pharmacy benefits for each of the Commonwealth's Children's Health Insurance Program, Medallion 4.0, the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus or other programs administered by the Department.  If the Department contracts with a pharmacy benefit manager, the contract shall require transparency in dispensing fees paid, cost control and containment measures, rebates collected and paid, and fees and other charges for its administration of the pharmacy benefit. In administering the pharmacy benefit, the Department shall annually report by not later than September 30 of each year, to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Appropriations Committees a status of the pharmacy benefit, including pharmacy network and access, cost savings, rebates, and effect on capitation rates. In conjunction with its management of the pharmacy benefit, the Department shall use an exclusive drug formulary.

The Department may permit Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) under the Commonwealth's Children's Health Insurance Program, Medallion 4.0, the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus or other programs administered by the Department to develop and implement medication therapy management programs, including medication reconciliation programs, for Medicaid recipients, but payments for prescribed drugs and dispensing fees shall be managed, directed and coordinated directly by the Department and not by MCOs or their subcontractors. All other prescription-related services and costs, pharmacy benefits, data systems, and drug rebate management shall be managed, directed and coordinated directly by the Department and not by MCOs."



Explanation

(This amendment adds language directing the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to begin all pharmacy benefits currently provided through programs administered by the agency. The 2019 General Assembly directed DMAS to contract with their actuary to determine the best pharmacy benefit delivery model for the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs in terms of cost effectiveness and other considerations. DMAS reported the findings from the review of pharmacy benefit management realignment in the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs in December 2019. That report indicated substantial benefits related to agency management of pharmacy benefits.)