Pharmacist Provider Status Advances in Congress

H.R. 3164, the “Main Street Pharmacy Access” Act (formerly known as the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, or ECAPS), has cleared a significant legislative milestone. The House Ways and Means Committee has advanced the bill, marking a meaningful step forward in the effort to expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to care at their local pharmacies. This momentum reflects growing bipartisan recognition that pharmacists are a vital and underutilized part of the healthcare delivery system.

At its core, the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act would allow Medicare Part B to directly reimburse pharmacists for providing testing, treatment and vaccination services to seniors. This includes common but consequential illnesses such as influenza, RSV, strep throat and COVID-19. For millions of older Americans, particularly those in rural or underserved communities, their neighborhood pharmacist is often the most accessible healthcare provider they have. This bill would finally align payment policy with that reality, empowering pharmacists to deliver the frontline care they are trained and licensed to provide.

H.R. 3164 must next clear the House Energy and Commerce Committee, then pass a full floor vote in the House, and ultimately be taken up and passed by the Senate. Each of these steps represents an opportunity and a challenge, requiring continued advocacy and engagement. The bill is cosponsored by Michigan congressional representatives Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, John James, R-Shelby Township, John Moolenaar, R-Caledonia, Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, and Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit.

Community pharmacies serve as trusted healthcare hubs in neighborhoods across the country and this legislation would ensure that the seniors who rely on them receive the full benefit of pharmacists’ expertise. Thank you to everyone who has taken part in advocating for this important issue. For more information on how you can contact your congressional representative, please visit the MPA Advocacy Action Center.