ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has applauded the introduction of the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS) in the U.S. Senate. A major bipartisan step toward increased healthcare access for our nation’s seniors, this legislation — championed by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Mark Warner (D-VA) — would enable Medicare Part B coverage for certain pharmacist services wherever state law permits pharmacists to provide care. Senator Thune is the Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate.
“For far too long, seniors have been blocked from receiving pharmacist-provided care authorized by their states, simply because Medicare has not kept pace,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven Anderson. “That disconnect has left countless older Americans without access to essential healthcare — especially in areas where pharmacies are the most accessible, and often the only, healthcare destination.”
ECAPS answers that call, permitting Medicare Part B to reimburse pharmacists for these services which they are already trained and authorized to provide in their states. The impact will be felt most in communities facing healthcare provider shortages, where pharmacies already serve as trusted lifelines.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare destinations in America and among the most trusted healthcare professionals,” Anderson continued. “While pharmacies and pharmacists have earned soaring approval ratings by Americans, seniors are among those who appreciate and rely on their pharmacies and pharmacists the most. It makes good sense to look to pharmacies and pharmacists to help bring needed services closer to home.”
And, momentum is building. More than 170 organizations — including patient advocates, rural health leaders, and provider associations — are rallying behind ECAPS, recognizing its potential to deliver what seniors want: care that is local, timely, and delivered by professionals they know and trust. The bill’s passage would mark a notable realignment of Medicare policy with the real-world needs and habits of older adults, who visit their pharmacy far more often than any other healthcare setting.
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NACDS extends its gratitude to Senators Thune and Warner for their leadership in introducing this legislation, which is a companion to H.R. 3164, championed by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Doris Matsui (D-CA), in the House. The Association calls on Congress to move swiftly to enact this legislation — a practical, forward-thinking solution that harnesses the full strength of America’s pharmacy network to improve health outcomes for seniors and strengthen the foundation of community care.
