arrow_back Back to App

Medicare Part B Coverage for Essential Pharmacist Services.

This bill expands Medicare Part B coverage to include specific services provided by licensed pharmacists. This change allows seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to receive testing and treatment for common illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and strep throat directly at a pharmacy, improving convenience and speed of care. Medicare will generally cover 80% of the cost for these services, similar to a doctor's visit.
Key points
Medicare Part B will cover pharmacist services for the evaluation and management of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep throat.
Beneficiaries gain easier access to diagnosis and treatment for these conditions at community pharmacies.
Pharmacists are prohibited from charging patients extra fees (balance billing) beyond the standard Medicare co-pay for these covered services.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2477
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Process start date: 2023-07-25
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2477.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Medicare Part B will cover pharmacist services for the evaluation and management of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep throat.
  • Beneficiaries gain easier access to diagnosis and treatment for these conditions at community pharmacies.
  • Pharmacists are prohibited from charging patients extra fees (balance billing) beyond the standard Medicare co-pay for these covered 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 Sen. Thune, John [R-SD].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

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