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ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is applauding today the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1770) that would help preserve Americans’ access to critical pharmacy-based services.
Steven Anderson
“Recent surveys have shown that the vast majority of Americans want the nation to learn and act based on the lessons of the pandemic. Some of the most important lessons focus on patient access, and the bipartisan H.R. 1770 would help to ensure that seniors can continue to rely on their trusted pharmacies and pharmacy teams for needed care,” said NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson. “NACDS commends U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) for taking up this issue and for putting patients first.
“Pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare destinations, existing within five miles of nearly every American. Throughout the pandemic, pharmacies stepped up to deliver equitable care to patients nationwide. Patients now expect this access to remain — so that they may continue to receive timely and consistent care from their pharmacies, including services to combat COVID-19, influenza, RSV and strep throat.
“Moving forward with confidence requires ensuring we remain prepared as a nation, and that means maintaining pharmacy access through H.R. 1770.”
Notably, Americans view the importance of pharmacy access as a lesson that must be learned from the past three years.
A poll by Morning Consult, commissioned by NACDS and conducted December 7-12, 2022, found that 64 percent of American adults – including majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents – believe “Learning the lessons of the pandemic means keeping in place policies that make it easier for patients to access services from pharmacists and other pharmacy team members – including vaccinations.” Among those 65 years and older, the level of support jumps to 77 percent.
Also, 86 percent of adults – and an amazing 96 percent of those 65 years and older – say it is “very easy” or “somewhat easy” to access pharmacies – making them the most accessible healthcare destination tested.
On its Public Opinion Dashboard, NACDS makes available national, state, and Congressional District polling data.
NACDS is among the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition members supporting this pivotal legislation, which would help preserve vital healthcare access in the future and advance health equity.
READ THE COALITION PRESS RELEASE
As noted in the Coalition statement, more than 190 organizations, including rural and senior advocacy groups, physician and provider groups, patient advocacy organizations, pharmacists, health systems and many others support the H.R. 1770.
