Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act

Overview: HR 3164, Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, Introduced in House, May 01, 2025

Purpose and Intent: The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act aims to improve access to pharmacist-provided care and services for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill seeks to address barriers that have limited the ability of pharmacists to provide care and be reimbursed under Medicare.

Key Provisions:
- Requires Medicare to cover pharmacist-provided services, including medication management, chronic disease management, and preventive care services
- Establishes a new provider type for pharmacists under Medicare to enable direct billing and reimbursement
- Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards and requirements for pharmacist-provided services covered by Medicare

Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Medicare beneficiaries would gain increased access to pharmacist-provided care and services
- Pharmacists would be able to be directly reimbursed by Medicare for a wider range of professional services
- Healthcare providers and systems may see improved care coordination and patient outcomes through expanded pharmacist involvement

Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been introduced in the House and is currently awaiting further action and consideration by congressional committees.