NACDS praises Senate intro of bipartisan legislation to preserve Medicare pharmacy access

NACDS is applauding the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate (S. 2477— the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act) that would help maintain post-pandemic pharmacy access for Americans.

Critically, S. 2477 would establish the reliable Medicare payment mechanisms that are part of the necessary infrastructure for pharmacy services, NACDS noted.

S.2477 is the Senate companion to H.R. 1770—bipartisan legislation introduced in March 2023 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Congressman Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), and pharmacist Members Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), and Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.).

[Read more: NACDS receives ASAE's 2021 Power of A Gold award]

Nearly 200 organizations, including rural and senior advocacy groups, physician and provider groups, patient advocacy organizations, pharmacists and health systems support the legislation,  NACDS said.

NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said, “We appreciate the strong bipartisan leadership of Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), and their commitment to the seniors who rely on timely and consistent care from their pharmacies, including services to combat COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat. Introduction in the U.S. Senate of the bipartisan S. 2477 is a critical step for vulnerable Americans, and for the pharmacies on which they rely."

Anderson continued, "Pharmacies remain the most accessible healthcare destinations, existing within five miles of nearly every American. Helping to ensure this access endures is essential— and is an important lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which pharmacies and pharmacy teams stepped up to deliver equitable care to patients nationwide.”

[Read more: NACDS report highlights role local pharmacies, pharmacists play in patient-centered services]

Notably, a poll by Morning Consult, commissioned by NACDS and conducted Dec. 7-12, 2022, found that 86% of adults—and 96% of those 65 years and older—say it is “very easy” or “somewhat easy” to access pharmacies—making them the most accessible healthcare destination tested.