Overview of the Communication Plan for the Virginia Medicaid Preferred Drug List Program

1. Overview of the Communication Plan for the Virginia MedicaidPreferred Drug List Program Presentation to: PDL/PA Implementation Advisory Group Cheryl J. Roberts Department of Medical Assistance Services September 11, 2003 Richmond, Virginia

2. Communication Plan • Communication and information dissemination will be a key component of Virginia’s new pharmacy program • Our goal is to execute a communication plan that focuses on: • Informing the affected parties early • Utilizing various communication and training methods • Providing a clear and simple message • Targeting the information to major stakeholders • Providing help and assistance throughout the process • Minimizing disruption • Developing a plan to follow up on interventions

3. Focused Communication Effort • A task force of DMAS and FHSC are formalizing the communication and education plan that will be launched in late October 2003 • DMAS is utilizing both training and operational staff and FHSC has designated education specialists to the project • The PDL communication plan will be focused on 4 major groups • Prescribers • Pharmacists • Enrollees • Associations/Advocacy Groups/Agencies

4. Proposed Communication Strategy for Prescribers/Associations • Multiple mailings: • informational • targeted by drug class • Communication will be targeted to top 150 prescribers by volume and regionalized • Web cast • Video conferencing • Site visits • Telephonic contact • Training Meetings for major health systems

5. Proposed Communication Strategy for Prescribers/Associations • Information meetings with key agencies and associations • Meetings with nursing homes and associations • Possible PDA access • Open the call center in November in order to handle calls and training issues • Web site access for basic information: Virginia.FHSC.com • Materials submitted to association newsletters and web sites • Medicaid memos • Focused pre- and post- implementation surveys

6. Proposed Communication Strategy for Pharmacists • Mailings • Targeted long term care meetings • Targeting communications to top 100 pharmacists • Call center availability • Access to prescriber meetings • Information cards for pharmacy • Soft edits and messaging prior to implementation • Work closely with the Virginia Pharmacy Association • Utilize experts: Pharmacy Liaison Committee, PDL/PAIAG, DUR Board

7. Proposed Communication Strategy for Enrollees/Advocates/Agencies • Inform and train groups who influence or educate enrollees • Meetings with affected Agencies • Mailings to affected enrollee population • Develop materials with simple clear message • Culturally sensitive materials in English and Spanish • Targeted meetings and posters at group sites, i.e. community centers and senior centers

8. Questions for Committee • What additional groups or areas do you believe need special attention? • How do we best communicate to these targeted groups? • What simple message should be communicated to each group? • Which private (commercial) or public entity has communicated these changes successfully? • Timing - what is the appropriate timing of the release of this information, i.e. 180 days to 1 day? • How should the rollout be communicated after the first wave of implementation? • How can you assist in the creations and dissemination of information?