Des Moines Sun

Senators Chuck Grassley and Ben Ray Luján have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving healthcare access for older Americans in areas with limited medical resources. The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act seeks to authorize Medicare payments for certain health services provided by pharmacists, such as wellness screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management, in states where pharmacists are licensed to perform these duties.

Currently, although many states permit pharmacists to offer these basic services, there is no mechanism for them to receive Medicare reimbursement. The proposed legislation addresses this gap by allowing Medicare to compensate pharmacists for providing care that is already within their scope of practice under state law.

“The health and wellness of older Americans ought to be prioritized, no matter their zip code. For many seniors in rural areas, including in Iowa, it’s easier to see a pharmacist than it is to see a doctor. So, it’s common sense for Medicare to compensate licensed pharmacists to perform basic medical services, saving seniors from taxing trips to far-flung doctors’ offices,” Grassley said.

“New Mexico faces a serious shortage of doctors and health care providers, especially in rural and Tribal communities. No one should have to travel hours for care they could receive from a local pharmacist,” Luján said. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce common-sense, bipartisan legislation to let pharmacists be reimbursed for services they are already trained and qualified to provide. This bill will expand access to care so New Mexicans can get the health services they need closer to home.”

In addition, Senators Grassley and Luján have invited feedback from stakeholders regarding how pharmacists might address chronic care needs among seniors.