Thune, Warner introduce pharmacy access bill
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:27 AM CDT, Wed July 26, 2023
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Thune, R.-S.D., and Mark Warner, D-Va., have introduced the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure seniors can continue to access certain clinical services from their pharmacist. The bill would allow Medicare to reimburse for certain pharmacist-administered tests, treatments and vaccinations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and strep throat, in accordance with state scope-of-practice laws. “Seniors across South Dakota rely on the care and support they receive from their community pharmacist,” said Thune. “I am proud to lead this common-sense legislation that would allow these trusted sources for vaccinations and other important treatments to remain a reliable option for seniors.” Added Warner: “Pharmacists play a key role in delivering health care services in our communities,” he said. “This legislation will make care for common illnesses – including flu, COVID, RSV, and strep throat – easier for seniors to access by allowing pharmacists to seek reimbursement from Medicare for services that they are already licensed to perform under state laws, such as testing and vaccination.”
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