Policy Blog

As you have likely seen in the headlines, there has been a spotlight on pharmacy issues. An area of focus for your OACHC Policy Team, we have been working on / monitoring the following pieces of legislation which are currently pending before the Ohio Legislature for consideration:

1. Senate Bill 265

SB 265 authorizes commercial health plan issuers to pay or reimburse pharmacists for all health services that a pharmacist is legally authorized to provide and that are covered by the health benefit plan. As introduced, this bill only applies to the commercial market, and OACHC is working very closely with the Ohio Pharmacists Association, and the bill’s sponsor, Senator Matt Dolan, to also see it applied to Medicaid. The bill has received three hearings to date in the Senate Insurance & Financial Institutions Committee. Click here for more information from OACHC.

2. Senate Bill 229

SB 229 modifies laws pertaining to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy (OBP) and the regulation of controlled substances. OACHC worked with Senator John Eklund and the OBP to amend this legislation and exempt Federally Qualified Health Centers, Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes from the Pharmacy Board's licensure of office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) facilities. A special thank you to Senator Eklund and the OPB! SB 229 passed out of the Senate on June 27 and is pending action in the House.

3. House Bill 465

HB 465 removes the Ohio Medicaid Pharmacy benefit from the Medicaid Managed Care umbrella and returns it back to the fee-for-service system. Please see overview from OPA on HB 465 here. While there are definite pros and cons to this proposal, one significant concern is effectively the loss of the ability to use 340B in the Medicaid Managed Care arena if indeed the pharmacy benefit was returned to FFS. OACHC has been working with the bill’s sponsor on a 340B amendment that would allow its continued utilization for 340B covered entities, including FQHCs and Look-Alikes. The bill thus far has received one hearing in the House Health Committee. Stay tuned!

4. House Bill 479

The Ohio Pharmacists Association reports, “HB 479, dubbed the ‘Prescription Drug Co-Pay Integrity Act,’ will prohibit the practice of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) requiring pharmacists to charge patients an amount greater than the pharmacy's cash price for a particular prescription drug…The legislation would prohibit "gag clauses" that some PBMs place in pharmacy contracts that penalize pharmacists for disclosing a complete picture of the financials of a patient's prescription drug transaction.” HB 479 was voted out of the House on June 27 and is pending action in the Senate.

If you have thoughts, feedback, questions or concerns on any of the above pieces of legislation and how they will impact your ability to deliver comprehensive care (including pharmacy services), please contact OACHC’s Julie DiRossi-King at jdirossi@ohiochc.org. For updates on all things policy/advocacy related, be sure you are signed up to be a Health Center Advocate for pertinent state and federal updates!

Digital Prevention Program for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Offers More Flexible Participation

In choosing a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) individuals can select one of four delivery methods based on personal preference, and availability. Recognized DPP organizations may offer the program through any or all of the following delivery methods. While there is flexibility in the method of delivery, all programs, regardless of method, must still meet recognition standards, and are required to submit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a single application for each delivery method being used.

·       In-person. Yearlong lifestyle change program delivered 100% in-person for all participants by trained Lifestyle Coaches. Participants are physically present in a classroom or classroom-like setting. Lifestyle Coaches may supplement in-person sessions with handouts, emails, or reminder texts; although none of these may be the sole method of participant communication.

·       Online. Yearlong lifestyle change program delivered 100% online for all participants. Participants log into course sessions via a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone and may participate in the program in either a group or one-on-one format. Online programs still require interaction with a Lifestyle Coach, similar to the in-person DPP model. Communication with the coach takes place at various times and through various communication methods (e.g., text, email, instant message, etc.).  

·       Distance Learning. Yearlong lifestyle change program delivered 100% by trained Lifestyle Coaches via remote classroom or telehealth where the Lifestyle Coach is present in one location and participants are calling in or video-conferencing.

·       Combination. Yearlong lifestyle change program delivered as a combination of any of the previously defined delivery modes for all participants by trained Lifestyle Coaches.

Enrolling and retaining participants in the traditional in-person DPP can be challenging due to barriers such as time commitment, transportation, and child care. However, offering the DPP digitally, either online or distance learning, can still provide group connections and interactions, but eliminate some of the aforementioned barriers. Providing the program digitally and allowing patients to connect remotely is another way for patients to benefit from the DPP, and achieve lifestyle modification and weight loss. Digital versions of the DPP are excellent options for those who live far away from DPP locations or who prefer the anonymity and convenience of doing the program online.

Some online DPPs utilize digital technology that can be embedded into a patient’s online profile which they use to interact with their Lifestyle Coach. For example, patients participating in Omada’s online program receive a welcome packet with a wireless scale that will transmit participant weight data and graph it for the program duration. The site also features “healthy competition” to help motivate patients and make them feel accountable to the group they are participating with online. Participants also receive additional tools to track their progress, such as a digital pedometer, to help keep them motivated to reach their goals.

It is important that patients have a choice to participate in the type of DPP that best suits their needs if options are available to them. There are many national providers of the DPP online program which can be found on the CDC website. Some providers listed are recognized by the CDC but only available to select participants, such as employers.

• You can review all of the National Providers here: 

• You can read more about the CDC DPP recognition standards and operating procedures here: 

• Other resources

Just keep swimming!

Water activities are one of the best things about summer! There is nothing better than cooling off on a hot day by jumping in a pool, jet-skiing with some friends or just relaxing on a boat while listening to the calm sounds of the sea.  In Ohio, people like to travel to water-parks such as Zoombezi Bay, Kings Island, and  Cedar Point Shores. There are also a multitude of lakes and rivers like Ohio River, Lake Erie and Alum Creek.

As we embark on the hottest time of the year and venture out to many of these places, it's important that we know how to protect ourselves by staying up to date on health advisories. For example, here is the one from the City of Columbus that you can easily access public health alerts by visiting: www.columbus.gov/publichealth

Staying safe in the water while swimming or boating is very important to both yourself and those around you. Before you go swimming in a pool, make sure there is a visible drain and it is in good condition. Pools are required to pass inspections too! Pool water is supposed to be treated however chemicals should never be left out in the open. Also, check to see if a lifeguard is on duty and alert. If you are ill, STAY OUT OF THE WATER. You don't want to contaminate the water and risk getting others sick. 

When relaxing in freshwater, be sure to check for environmental conditions that may affect the water condition. As stated above, its still important to check for a lifeguard and to stay out of the water if you are feeling ill. Also, if there are inclement conditions, such as tornadoes or thunderstorms, plan your outdoor excursion for another day. If you are taking a trip on a boat, check the reviews and be sure there is a trustworthy captain manning the vessel. Alcohol and boats do not mix. Do not drink while operating a boat or jet-ski.

For information on how to stay safe when diving in this summer visit the following:

• Healthy Swimming Tips
• Swimming in Oceans & Lakes
• Kids Water Safety
• How to prepare for water emergencies

For fun ideas of water activities in Ohio, check out Trip Advisor