Bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) that would allow Medicare beneficiaries to access pharmacist-provided testing and treatment for common respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep throat, passed the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on May 21.
The Main Street Pharmacy Access Act, H.R. 3164, formerly known as the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, aims to help local pharmacists play a more active role in community health, according to the lawmaker.
“Nine out of 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, making pharmacists among the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, especially in rural areas,” Rep. Smith said. “Yet outdated bureaucratic barriers keep seniors from getting the prompt, expert care pharmacists are trained to provide close-to-home.”
The congressman said that H.R. 3164 is “a practical, bipartisan fix” to ensure that patients may access health care when and where they need it.
“I am grateful a bipartisan group of my colleagues voted yes on this legislation, and I look forward to its passage on the House floor,” said Rep. Smith.
More than 190 organizations support the measure, including the American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, CVS Health, Kroger Health, XiFin Inc., and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, among many others.
Rep. Smith sponsored H.R. 3164 in May 2025 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL). The bill currently has 114 cosponsors and must also be approved by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee before heading to the full chamber for action.