Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act

Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act

This bill expands Medicare coverage to permanently include services provided by a pharmacist, including incidental services and supplies, related to testing, drug regimens, and vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and certain other illnesses.

Specifically, the bill provides for continued coverage of pharmacist services relating to testing and vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza, as well as coverage of testing for respiratory syncytial virus and streptococcal pharyngitis (i.e., strep throat) and the initiation of drug regimens that are used to treat COVID-19, influenza, or strep throat. It also generally provides for coverage of pharmacist services during a public health emergency or to address health equity.

A pharmacist, or the facility with which the pharmacist is contracted or employed, may present a claim for reimbursement of 85% (or 100% during a declared emergency) of the applicable amount. A pharmacist may not bill an individual for such a service other than for the applicable deductible or coinsurance amounts.

Bill 117 hr 7213, also known as the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, aims to improve access to healthcare services by expanding the role of pharmacists in communities across the United States. The bill recognizes the important role that pharmacists play in providing essential healthcare services, such as medication management, immunizations, and health screenings.

One of the key provisions of the bill is to allow pharmacists to provide certain healthcare services without the need for a physician's prescription. This includes services such as administering vaccines, managing chronic conditions, and providing preventive care. By expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists, the bill seeks to increase access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities where access to primary care providers may be limited.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that pharmacists are properly trained and equipped to provide these expanded services. This includes requirements for pharmacists to undergo additional training and certification in order to provide certain healthcare services. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that pharmacists are reimbursed for the services they provide, making it financially feasible for pharmacists to offer these services to patients. Overall, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act aims to improve access to healthcare services by leveraging the expertise of pharmacists and expanding their role in providing essential healthcare services to patients. By empowering pharmacists to provide a wider range of services, the bill seeks to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities in communities across the United States.