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Medicare Coverage Expansion: Pharmacist Services in Underserved Areas.

This law expands Medicare coverage to include specific services provided by licensed pharmacists, particularly in areas where access to physicians is limited. This change aims to improve healthcare access for seniors living in rural or underserved communities, allowing them to receive certain routine medical care directly from their pharmacist. Medicare will cover 80% of the approved cost for these services.
Key points
Medicare will now cover certain medical services provided by licensed pharmacists, provided these services are within the pharmacist's legal scope of practice.
This coverage is specifically limited to services furnished in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas.
Beneficiaries will be responsible for the standard 20% co-payment for these newly covered pharmacist services.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_9365
Sponsor: Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Process start date: 2024-08-16
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_9365.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-08-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Medicare will now cover certain medical services provided by licensed pharmacists, provided these services are within the pharmacist's legal scope of practice.
  • This coverage is specifically limited to services furnished in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas.
  • Beneficiaries will be responsible for the standard 20% co-payment for these newly covered pharmacist services.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits