ASHP members are meeting with congressional offices Sept. 16 to advocate for expanded Medicare coverage of pharmacist-provided care, protections for the 340B Drug Pricing Program and pharmacy residency training.
Here are three priorities ASHP outlined in a Sept. 15 news release:
- Expand Medicare access to pharmacist-provided care. ASHP is seeking passage of the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act (H.R. 3164) and Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (S. 2426). The legislation would provide direct Medicare coverage for pharmacist-provided testing and treatment of common respiratory illnesses in 34 states where pharmacists are already authorized to provide the care.
- Protect the 340B program. ASHP is asking Congress to reject proposed payment cuts, rebate requirements and manufacturer-imposed restrictions on access to 340B pricing. CMS recently proposed reductions in payments for separately payable drugs purchased using 340B discounts.
- Strengthen pharmacy residency training. ASHP is seeking passage of the Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act (H.R. 1708/S. 1087), which would require CMS to clarify Medicare funding requirements for pharmacy, nursing and allied health residency programs and allow funding to support advanced clinical specialties.
