(1) The medicaid agency establishes a maximum allowable cost (MAC) for a multiple-source drug which is available from at least two manufacturers/labelers.
(2) The agency determines the MAC for a multiple-source drug:
(a) When specific regional and local drug acquisition cost data is available, the agency:
(i) Identifies what products are available from wholesalers for each drug being considered for MAC pricing;
(ii) Determines pharmacy providers' approximate acquisition costs for these products; and
(iii) Establishes the MAC at a level which gives pharmacists access to at least one product from a manufacturer with a qualified rebate agreement (see WAC
182-530-7500(4)).
(b) When specific regional and local drug acquisition cost data is not available, the agency may estimate acquisition cost based on national pricing sources.
(3) The MAC established for a multiple-source drug does not apply if the written prescription identifies that a specific brand is medically necessary for a particular client. In such cases, the actual acquisition cost (AAC) for the particular brand applies, provided authorization is obtained from the agency as specified under WAC
182-530-3000.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the agency reimburses providers for a multiple-source drug at the lowest of the rates calculated under the methods listed in WAC
182-530-7000.
(5) The MAC established for a multiple-source drug may vary by package size, including those identified as unit dose national drug codes (NDCs) by the manufacturer or manufacturers of the drug.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
41.05.021 and
41.05.160. WSR 17-07-001, § 182-530-8100, filed 3/1/17, effective 4/1/17; WSR 16-01-046, § 182-530-8100, filed 12/9/15, effective 1/9/16. WSR 11-14-075, recodified as § 182-530-8100, filed 6/30/11, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW
74.04.050,
74.08.090,
74.09.530, and
74.09.700. WSR 07-20-049, § 388-530-8100, filed 9/26/07, effective 11/1/07.]