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, vaccines, and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, and certain other illnesses.

Specifically, the bill provides for continued coverage of pharmacist services relating to evaluation and management of patients for testing and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), as well as vaccines for pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, influenza, or hepatitis B. It also generally provides for coverage of pharmacist services during a public health emergency.

Bill 118 hr 1770, also known as the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, aims to improve access to healthcare services provided by pharmacists in underserved communities. The bill recognizes the important role that pharmacists play in the healthcare system and seeks to ensure that all individuals have access to the services they provide.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists, allowing them to provide a wider range of services such as administering vaccines, conducting health screenings, and managing chronic conditions. This expansion of services is intended to help alleviate the burden on primary care providers and improve access to care for individuals in areas where healthcare services may be limited.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase funding for pharmacist training programs and support the development of innovative models of care that involve pharmacists as key members of the healthcare team. By investing in the training and education of pharmacists, the bill aims to ensure that they are equipped to provide high-quality care to all individuals, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. Overall, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act seeks to address disparities in healthcare access and improve health outcomes for all individuals by harnessing the expertise of pharmacists and expanding their role in the healthcare system.