Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Expand Access to Health Care in Rural Communities

Strategic Insights -

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation aimed at bolstering pharmacists' ability to serve older Americans in communities with limited access to doctors or medical services. The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act seeks to encourage pharmacists to offer health care services, such as health and wellness screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management, by authorizing Medicare payments for these services in areas where pharmacists are already licensed to provide them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legislation aims to expand access to health care in rural communities by authorizing Medicare payments for basic medical services provided by pharmacists.
  • The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act encourages pharmacists to offer health care services, such as health and wellness screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management.
  • Many states already allow pharmacists to provide these services, but there is currently no way for pharmacists to receive Medicare reimbursement for providing them.
  • The legislation will benefit seniors in rural areas, including those in Iowa, who often have limited access to doctors and health care services.
  • New Mexico faces a serious shortage of doctors and health care providers, and this legislation will help expand access to care for residents.

Statistics:

  • There are currently 20 states that allow pharmacists to provide health care services, such as health and wellness screenings, immunizations, and diabetes management.
  • Rural areas account for 20% of the US population, but only 9% of the country's doctors practice in these areas.
  • Medicare has not reimbursed pharmacists for providing basic medical services, despite many states allowing them to do so.
  • The legislation aims to expand access to care for an estimated 10 million seniors in rural areas who lack easy access to doctors or medical services.

Sources:

  • "Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act Introduced to Expand Access to Care." United States Senate. Accessed 2025.
  • "Luján, Grassley Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Access to Care in Rural Communities." United States Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján. February 2025.
  • "Iowa's Chuck Grassley Reintroduces Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act." The New York Times. February 2025.

*Sources:*

  • The New York Times. February 2025.