Senators Reintroduce Bill to Expand Medicare Coverage for Pharmacist Services in Underserved Areas

Senators Chuck Grassley and Ben Ray Luján have reintroduced the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding pharmacists' ability to provide basic medical services to older Americans in areas with limited access to doctors. The legislation would authorize Medicare payments for licensed pharmacists to deliver services like health screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management where allowed by state law, addressing gaps in care particularly in rural and underserved communities. The senators emphasize the practical benefits of utilizing pharmacists to improve access to healthcare and have sought stakeholder input on expanding pharmacists' roles in chronic care management for seniors.