Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, amends the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage of services provided by pharmacists. Specifically, it allows pharmacists to be reimbursed for certain services, including those related to COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses, and those addressing public health emergencies. The bill also clarifies collaboration between pharmacists and physicians and establishes payment rates for these services.
Key provisions
- Expands Medicare coverage to include pharmacist services.
- Allows reimbursement for services related to COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat.
- Includes testing and treatment services addressing public health emergencies.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘pharmacist services’ and ‘collaboration’ with physicians.
- Establishes a payment rate of 80 percent of the charge for pharmacist services, with a higher percentage (100%) for services addressing public health needs.
- Recognizes pharmacists as healthcare providers alongside practitioners.
- Specifies that services must be furnished in accordance with state law.
- Sets the effective date for these changes to January 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Medicare beneficiaries
- Pharmacists
- Physicians
- Healthcare providers
- The Medicare system
Notable changes
Bill text
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