Medicare Coverage Expansion: Pharmacist Services in Medically Underserved Areas.
This bill expands Medicare Part B coverage to include specific services provided by licensed pharmacists, primarily targeting areas with limited access to healthcare professionals. This change aims to improve access to essential health services for Medicare beneficiaries living in rural or medically underserved communities. The new coverage rules are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024.
Key points
Medicare Part B will cover certain services provided by pharmacists if those services are legally authorized by state law and would typically be covered if performed by a physician.
This coverage is strictly limited to services furnished in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas.
Pharmacists will be reimbursed at 85% of the physician fee schedule rate for these covered services.
Expired
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