Individuals on Medicare Part D would have more flexibility to use community pharmacies to get prescription drugs and other health care services under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) last week.
The Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act, S. 1044, would stipulate that community pharmacies located in medically underserved areas, medically underserved populations and health professional shortage areas would be able to take part in Medicare Part D preferred pharmacy networks.
“In states like West Virginia, community pharmacies are vital resources that many families and individuals in rural areas rely on for their health care needs,” Capito said. “The Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act will enable seniors to use trusted pharmacies close to home while also qualifying for the cost savings of Medicare’s preferred pharmacies.”
Under current law any state board-certified pharmacy can participate in a state’s Medicare Part D preferred network — but Part D plans often have independent preferred networks that community pharmacies aren’t part of.
Under S. 1044, community pharmacies meeting predetermined criteria could accept terms and conditions of existing preferred providers, providing more choice to seniors in selecting pharmacies, allowing community pharmacies to compete with larger providers, and maintaining access in underserved areas.
Capito introduced the Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act with U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tom Cotton (R-AR).