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.
Status:
Introduced
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