Sen. Thune Leads Bipartisan Bill to Pay Pharmacists for Testing and Treating Flu, COVID-19, and Strep
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Finance. It is actively moving forward after being introduced in the Senate. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
The bill has strong support from both parties and helps rural areas, but it still needs to pass through committees and both houses of Congress.
Independent pharmacy owners would gain a new revenue stream by being able to bill Medicare directly for testing and treating common respiratory illnesses and strep throat. This is particularly meaningful for small pharmacies in rural or underserved areas, where they may be the most accessible healthcare option for Medicare patients. The 85% of physician payment rate provides reasonable compensation for these services.
“the amounts paid shall be equal to 80 percent of the lesser of (i) the actual charge for the services or (ii) 85 percent”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4701)
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
The House Ways and Means Committee advanced legislation to expand Medicare coverage for pharmacist-provided testing and treatment for respiratory illnesses. The bill, H.R. 3164, would allow Medicare Part B to cover services for flu, RSV, and strep throat in states that authorize such practice.
Senators Mark Warner and John Thune reintroduced the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act. The bill aims to improve Medicare reimbursement for pharmacist-administered tests, treatments, and vaccinations for common illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and strep throat.
The ECAPS Act is a bipartisan effort intended to permanently expand Medicare coverage to include clinical services provided by pharmacists. These services include testing, vaccination, and treatment for common illnesses, establishing a direct reimbursement mechanism under Medicare Part B.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.