Bill would let Medicare pay pharmacists for flu, strep, COVID care
In markupH.R. 3164Latest action
Sponsor: Adrian Smith · Representative · NE
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Official title: Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Medicare would start paying pharmacists directly for testing and treating COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep starting January 1, 2026.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would let Medicare Part B pay pharmacists directly for evaluating and managing patients tested or treated for COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and strep throat, plus services during declared public health emergencies. Pharmacists would be paid a percentage of what doctors receive for similar services and must follow state supervision or collaboration requirements. Patients could not be charged extra beyond Medicare-approved amounts.
Who does it affect?
Medicare patients, mostly people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, would gain a new option to get testing or treatment at pharmacies. Pharmacists would gain a new Medicare payment pathway, and doctors and clinics could be affected if patients choose pharmacy visits instead.
Why does it matter?
The change could shift where some patients seek care for common illnesses, moving certain visits from doctors' offices and clinics to pharmacies.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 1, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · May 21, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.