Davis and Nunn Introduces Legislation to Enhance Healthcare for Rural Seniors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the bipartisan Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, legislation to reimburse state-licensed pharmacists through Medicare for essential healthcare services like diabetes management and health screenings. Senators Grassley, Brown, Hyde-Smith, and Lujan introduced the senate companion in May 2023.
"Seniors and other vulnerable healthcare patients in rural America must have equal access to essential services,” said Congressman Davis. “Eastern North Carolinians and others living in rural areas should not have to travel hours just to care for their basic health needs. By finally paying pharmacists for the services they provide our seniors, this legislation takes one step towards fulfilling our promise to those in desperate need of care.”
Current law does not provide Medicare payments for pharmacists who render these services, disincentivizing them from providing health care to patients, particularly seniors, in rural and remote communities that rely on local health care facilities for often lifesaving services.
“No matter their zip code, Iowa retirees should be able to get the healthcare treatment they need. More often than not, it’s easier to visit a licensed pharmacist for routine healthcare. Unfortunately, red tape prevents Medicare beneficiaries from accessing this kind of commonsense care,” said Congressman Nunn. “By cutting red tape and giving seniors more options, we can ensure that Iowa’s seniors can access the care they need and deserve.”
“A lot of times, it’s easier for seniors in rural areas to get to a pharmacist than a doctor. Many Iowans know this reality too well,” said Senator Grassley. “Currently, pharmacists who perform basic medical services aren’t eligible for Medicare compensation. Our proposal fixes that, while helping keep older Americans safe by saving them far-flung trips to the doctor and ensuring access to the care they need.”
"We thank Rep. Davis for introducing the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act,” said a representative for the American Pharmacy Association. “Despite state laws allowing patients to access healthcare services from their pharmacist, Medicare Part B does not cover these services for our nation's seniors. As a result, seniors' access to the healthcare provider with the most medication-related education and training at a lower cost to the taxpayers is severely restricted. Your bill would increase patients' health in medically underserved areas and correct this restriction on access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.”
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