April 4 RxAdvocate April, 2023 — Newsletter
April Stories:
- COVID Update
- Drug Shortages
- OTC Narcan
- Organizational Announcements
Public Health Emergency Ends May 11th
On January 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced its intent to end the public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic effective May 11, 2023. These declarations have been in place since early 2020 and as the government transitions away from the emergency phase, there are multiple components of the declaration which will be affected, including vaccinations, treatments, and COVID-19 self-testing availability.
Vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are a preventive health service for most plans and it is anticipated that COVID-19 vaccines will move to coverage under ACA guidelines for preventive care; resulting in the vaccine remaining fully covered without a member copay. Currently, antiviral treatments for COVID-19 are covered by the federal government. However, with the PHE declaration ending, it is expected that antiviral coverage will be determined by individual plan design resulting in cost shifting to the plan, and members being responsible for their standard cost share. Lastly, the current coverage mandated for COVID-19 tests without member cost-sharing will end. It is projected that many health plans will no longer cover COVID-19 tests, leaving it to the member to purchase them over the counter.
Senate Report finds Drug Shortages in US Increased nearly 30%
Between 2021 and 2022, new drug shortages in the U.S. increased nearly 30% according to a report commissioned by the Senate. The report states that at the end of 2022, drug shortages experienced a record five-year high of 295 active drug shortages.
The drugs included range from common antibiotics and pain relivers, Adderall, and medications used in hospitals such as albuterol sulfate. The report also found that while the average drug shortage lasts about 1.5 years, more than 15 critical drug products have been in shortage for over a decade.
Increased demand can cause shortages, but the way drugs are made and sold for the U.S. market is also a large part of the problem. Congress is now tasking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop a strategy to mitigate drug shortages and expects a response by April 10, 2023.
FDA Approves OTC Narcan
FDA Approves OTC Narcan
Narcan (Naloxone) nasal spray was recently approved by the FDA to be sold without a prescription and will become available over-the-counter (OTC) by late summer.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse an overdose of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. Even though pharmacies in all states are currently able to dispense naloxone without a prescription, not all pharmacies carry it and cost can be an issue.
Making it more widely available OTC will ensure people who don’t have access to a pharmacy, or who are trying to avoid the stigma attached to the drug still have access and is a key step in trying to control the nationwide overdose crisis.
Organizational Announcements
Organizational Announcements
Welcome, Emily!
Emily King is the Account Manager for RxConnection. As the Account Manager, Emily assists in implementation support and serving as the PBM liaison for daily service-related activities. She provides internal support to the Strategic Account Executives to deliver optimal client service.
Emily graduated from Northwestern State University. Prior to joining the RxConnection team, she held an Account Manager role at a Pharmacy Benefit Manager with a focus on client services and pharmacy benefits. She also previously worked in Sales and has 6 years of experience providing high quality customer service. Emily is based out of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Welcome, Rachelle!
Rachelle Summers is a Strategic Account Executive RxConnection bringing over 7 years of experience in the healthcare industy. Rachelle’s responsibilities at RxConnection include managing implementation support, strategic consulting, and serving as the PBM liaison for daily service-related activities
Prior to joining RxConnection, she served as a Senior Customer Success Associate at Komodo Health. She has experience delivering exceptional customer value as well as building and maintaining client relationships. Rachelle is based out of Bristol, Virginia.
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If you would like additional information on our services please contact:
Orlando Neal — Principal
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com