Congress·In Committee·H.R. 5031

Medicare: New Support Fees for Long-Term Care Pharmacies

Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act

7 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Part of: Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

↔Companion bill: Medicare: New Support Fees for Long-Term Care Pharmacies

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill would require Medicare drug plans to pay a $30 "supply fee" to pharmacies that serve long-term care facilities, like nursing homes. This extra payment helps these specialized pharmacies cover the costs of delivering and managing medications for seniors with complex health needs.
The new fees would be required for two years, starting in 2026. In 2027, the $30 amount would increase slightly to account for inflation. If an insurance company refuses to pay the fee to a pharmacy, the government can fine them at least $10,000 for every prescription they missed.
The federal government will eventually pay the insurance companies back for these fees. This is designed to support pharmacies without forcing insurance companies to raise monthly premiums for people on Medicare.
This plan focuses on drugs that have had their prices negotiated by the government. Because these drugs are cheaper, pharmacies make less profit on them. This fee is meant to make up the difference so these pharmacies can afford to stay in business and continue serving vulnerable patients.
The bill also orders a non-partisan government study to look at whether long-term care pharmacies are being paid enough to stay in business long-term. This is especially important for people living in rural areas where there may only be one pharmacy available to serve local nursing homes.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Aug 22, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Aug 22, 2025

Introduced in House

Related Bills

1 bill

S. 3159Identical bill

Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act

Nov 7 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act

Bill NumberHR 5031

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(40)

D: 14R: 26

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.