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Medicare: Pharmacists can provide treatment for COVID-19, Flu, and RSV.

This bill expands Medicare Part B to cover specific services provided by pharmacists, making basic healthcare more accessible to citizens. This means Medicare beneficiaries can receive testing and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat directly from a pharmacist, potentially avoiding a doctor's visit. The act also prohibits pharmacists from charging extra fees (balance billing) for these services, protecting patients from unexpected costs.
Key points
Medicare Part B Expansion: The program will cover services furnished by pharmacists, provided they are legally authorized under State law.
Pharmacist Treatment Access: Citizens with Medicare gain access to testing and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat directly at the pharmacy.
Financial Protection: The bill prohibits pharmacists from balance billing for these covered services, ensuring cost predictability for patients.
Public Health Emergency Coverage: Services addressing a declared public health need will be reimbursed at 100% of the payment basis under Medicare.
Effective Date: The changes are scheduled to apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_3164
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]
Process start date: 2025-05-01
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Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Ensuring 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 119_HR_3164.

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 2025-05-01.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Medicare Part B Expansion: The program will cover services furnished by pharmacists, provided they are legally authorized under State law.
  • Pharmacist Treatment Access: Citizens with Medicare gain access to testing and treatment for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and strep throat directly at the pharmacy.
  • Financial Protection: The bill prohibits pharmacists from balance billing for these covered services, ensuring cost predictability for patients.
  • Public Health Emergency Coverage: Services addressing a declared public health need will be reimbursed at 100% of the payment basis under Medicare.
  • Effective Date: The changes are scheduled to apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in House

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

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