Legislation allows Medicare to pay pharmacists for additional services

The bill is supported by the Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition.
The bill is supported by the Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition. | File photo
Recently passed legislation now allows Medicare to pay pharmacists for services provided to beneficiaries in underserved communities.
The bill originally passed two years ago, but was reintroduced to the House last month. It is supported by the Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition.
“We have reason to believe that we’re going to have an opportunity to move the legislation this session,” said Joseph Hill, director of government relations division for the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, a professional organization for pharmacists and other medical professionals.
The new session differs from previous sessions in that the House will look to secure provider status for pharmacists.