U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) on March 24 introduced a bipartisan bill that would help ensure patients may continue accessing COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic-related health services from pharmacists.
“As a pharmacist, I know that accessible health care is crucial to our nation’s well-being,” Rep. Carter said. “As we look to create a new normal, we must prepare our pharmacists for the next public health emergency, so they are ready to serve and protect their communities.”
The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, H.R. 7213, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), also would provide pharmacists with needed resources to prepare for future public health emergencies, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Thank you to Rep. Kind for leading this issue, which will bring necessary aid to the millions of patients that rely on pharmacists for care,” said Rep. Carter.
If enacted, H.R. 7213 specifically would provide coverage for pharmacist services under Medicare Part B, including for COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations; testing for COVID-19, influenza, strep throat, and respiratory syncytial virus; and treatment for COVID-19, influenza and strep throat, the summary says.
Additionally, H.R. 7213 would establish Medicare coverage and payment for pharmacist services during a future, federally designated public health emergency.
“The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act will help ensure patients can continue to access testing, vaccination and other critical health services from their local pharmacy while also making sure our pharmacists are ready for future public health emergencies,” said Rep. Kind.
The measure has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.