This bill amends Medicare to cover certain pharmacist services in medically underserved areas and health professional shortage areas. The legislation allows licensed pharmacists to provide services that are legally authorized in their state and would otherwise be covered if performed by a physician, but only in geographic areas with limited access to medical care. Medicare would reimburse pharmacists at 80 percent of 85 percent of the physician fee schedule rate for these covered services. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2024, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create specific billing codes for pharmacist services under the Medicare fee schedule. This expansion aims to improve access to healthcare services in communities facing shortages of medical professionals.
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