Hawkeye Reporter

Senators Chuck Grassley and Ben Ray Luján have reintroduced bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing access to medical services for older Americans in underserved areas. The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act seeks to enable pharmacists to offer healthcare services such as health screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management by allowing Medicare payments for these services where pharmacists are already permitted under state law.

Currently, many states allow pharmacists to provide certain basic health services, but there is no mechanism for Medicare reimbursement for these activities. The proposed legislation addresses this gap by authorizing compensation through Medicare when pharmacists deliver approved care.

“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 are also seeking input from stakeholders on the role of pharmacists in managing chronic care needs among seniors due to ongoing challenges with chronic illnesses in this population.