Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3164
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3164MedicareHealth care coverage and access
Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
INTRO MAY 1· LAST ACTION MAY 21
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
140BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it could significantly improve access to basic healthcare services, especially for seniors and people with disabilities covered by Medicare. Currently, many people struggle to get timely appointments with doctors for common ailments like the flu or strep throat, or for testing during a public health crisis. This bill would allow pharmacists, who are often more accessible in communities, to provide and be paid for these specific services, potentially reducing wait times and making care more convenient.
If this bill becomes law, it means more places where people can get tested and treated for common illnesses, leveraging the expertise of pharmacists. If it doesn't pass, Medicare beneficiaries will continue to rely primarily on doctors for these services, which could mean ongoing challenges with access, particularly in underserved areas or during health emergencies.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Medicare Part B will cover certain services provided by pharmacists.
This expands the types of healthcare providers who can be paid by Medicare for specific services, increasing access for beneficiaries.
PROVISION 02
Pharmacist services covered include testing and treatment for illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep throat, as well as public health emergency needs.
This provision targets common and often urgent health needs, making it easier for people to get care quickly.
PROVISION 03
Medicare will pay pharmacists for these services at 80% of the lower of the actual charge or 85% of the physician rate, or 100% during public health emergencies.
This establishes the payment mechanism for pharmacists, incentivizing them to provide these new covered services.
PROVISION 04
Pharmacists are prohibited from balance billing Medicare beneficiaries for these covered services.
This protects Medicare patients from unexpected out-of-pocket costs beyond their standard Medicare co-insurance.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
COMMITTEE
MAY 1
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 1
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Voters should care about this bill because it could significantly improve access to basic healthcare services, especially for seniors and people with disabilities covered by Medicare. Currently, many people struggle to get timely appointments with doctors for common ailments like the flu or strep throat, or for testing during a public health crisis. This bill would allow pharmacists, who are often more accessible in communities, to provide and be paid for these specific services, potentially reducing wait times and making care more convenient.
If this bill becomes law, it means more places where people can get tested and treated for common illnesses, leveraging the expertise of pharmacists. If it doesn't pass, Medicare beneficiaries will continue to rely primarily on doctors for these services, which could mean ongoing challenges with access, particularly in underserved areas or during health emergencies.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Medicare Part B will cover certain services provided by pharmacists.
This expands the types of healthcare providers who can be paid by Medicare for specific services, increasing access for beneficiaries.
high
Pharmacist services covered include testing and treatment for illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep throat, as well as public health emergency needs.
This provision targets common and often urgent health needs, making it easier for people to get care quickly.
med
Medicare will pay pharmacists for these services at 80% of the lower of the actual charge or 85% of the physician rate, or 100% during public health emergencies.
This establishes the payment mechanism for pharmacists, incentivizing them to provide these new covered services.
med
Pharmacists are prohibited from balance billing Medicare beneficiaries for these covered services.
This protects Medicare patients from unexpected out-of-pocket costs beyond their standard Medicare co-insurance.
The amendments made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after this date.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Medicare Part B
The part of Medicare that helps cover medically necessary services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.
Social Security Act
A foundational law in the United States that created Social Security and Medicare, among other programs providing social welfare and health insurance.
Pharmacist Services
Specific healthcare services provided by a pharmacist that they are legally allowed to perform under state law, similar to services a doctor might provide.
Balance Billing
When a healthcare provider charges a patient the difference between what the provider charges and what the patient's insurance (like Medicare) will pay for a service. This bill aims to prohibit this for covered pharmacist services.
Public Health Emergency
A formal declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that a disease or disorder presents a public health emergency, triggering certain emergency authorities and funding.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTS
MAY 21
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
COMMITTEE
MAY 21
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
COMMITTEE
MAY 1, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 1, 25
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
