This week's advocacy update details President Obama's final budget, a Senate bill to address prescription drug abuse, a CMS letter outlining Medicaid reimbursement changes, and more!

Legislation to update Kentucky's existing Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) transparency law was referred to the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee on Thursday, after the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Cabinet stated that SB 117 would increase cost for Kentucky's Medicaid program.

The second week of the 2016 Regular Session was filled with many more bills being introduced and more talk of passing a General Fund Budget early. Most of the talk was centered on the Republicans House Lottery Bill which was voted out of committee and might reach the floor next week.

Attached is a Notification regarding information on: UnitedHealthcare Community Plan* and OptumRx to Manage Pharmacy Benefits for Iowa Health Link Members -- Effective March 1, 2016

Make A Wish Communication #03MG16 Rx BIN: 018612 Rx PCN: HELP Rx GROUP: As printed on the card Date: February 11, 2016 Effective Date: February 25, 2016 What You Need to Know Effective February 25, 2016, the Make A Wish program will be processed through Argus Health Systems. Program Overview Water Tree Ventures, LLC will offer the program to uninsured and under-insured patients. The patient will be responsible for the full cost of the claim, but will receive their medication at a discounted rate. There is no anticipated end date for the program. The card will be distributed to patients by Water Tree Ventures, LLC. Program Parameters • • Member Eligibility: o No activation or enrollment is required. • Program Benefits: o Includes all NDCs o No Day Supply Limits • Pharmacy Network: o ANA-101 o ANA-107