Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act

Section 2(a) adds pharmacist services to Medicare Part B coverage, which could make it easier for people to access evaluation, testing, and treatment for common illnesses like COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and strep throat directly from their local pharmacists.

Section 2(a) also covers testing and treatment services that address public health needs related to declared public health emergencies, helping individuals get necessary care during critical health crises.

Section 2(b) sets up Medicare payments for these pharmacist services at 80 percent of the actual charge or a set percentage of the established payment basis, with up to 100 percent coverage for services addressing a declared public health need, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Section 2(c) prohibits balance billing for pharmacist services, protecting consumers from being charged extra amounts above the approved Medicare payment rates for these services.