Grassley, Luján Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Access to Medical Services for Older Americans in Underserved Areas

Grassley, Luján Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Access to Medical Services for Older Americans in Underserved Areas

WASHINGTON - Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation bolstering pharmacists' ability to serve older Americans in communities that lack easy access to doctors or where pharmacists can provide certain basic medical services.

The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act encourages pharmacists to offer health care services (like health and wellness screenings), immunizations and diabetes management by authorizing Medicare payments for those services where pharmacists are already licensed under state law to provide them. Many states already allow pharmacists to provide these services. However, there is currently no way for pharmacists to receive Medicare reimbursement for providing them.

"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."

Grassley and Luján also requested feedback from stakeholders on pharmacists providing services for chronic care needs, given the unique pressing challenges of chronic care among seniors. Text of the request-for-information (RFI) can be found HERE.

The full text of the legislation is available HERE.

-30-

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet