Published On: November 2, 2015238 words1.4 min readCategories: ArticleTags: ,

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The Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition (PAPCC) announced, at the close of a successful American Pharmacists Month, growing support for the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act (S. 314/H.R. 592).

…a majority of House members recognize the value that pharmacists can play in providing healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the nation.

The legisaltion would expand Medicare beneficiary access to pharmacist-provided patient care services in medically underserved communities. Cosponsorship in the House of Representatives recently eclipsed 230, confirming that a majority of House members recognize the value that pharmacists can play in providing healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the nation. The Senate’s support is also strong, with cosponsorship now equaling 33.

NACDS is a steering committee member of the PAPCC, whose primary goal is to promote legislation that would expand access and payment for Medicare Part B services by state-licensed pharmacists in medically-underserved communities.

Millions of seniors live in medically underserved communities in the United States without adequate access to healthcare. However, nearly 95 percent of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy. Pharmacists are highly accessible and highly educated healthcare professionals who, in coordination with other providers on a health team, are capable of playing a greater role in the delivery of healthcare services to underserved patients. While pharmacists’ primary focus is assisting patients with access to and information regarding their medications, pharmacists are ready and able to provide additional services needed in underserved communities.