CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — On March 24, 2022, H.R. 7213, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, was introduced by U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), David B. McKinley (R, W. Va.), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R, Ga.), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D, Calif.). The bipartisan legislation ensures patients’ continued access to pandemic-related care services provided by pharmacists, including services to keep communities safe from COVID-19 and future public health crises.

Jenni Zilka, president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy, and Rich Tremonte, executive vide president and president of Customer Operations, Animal Health, and Community & Specialty Pharmacy (CSP) at AmerisourceBergen issued the following statements on the introduction of H.R. 7213, the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act

Jennifer Zilka

Jenni Zilka, Ppresident of Good Neighbor Pharmacy
“AmerisourceBergen and Good Neighbor Pharmacy, members of the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition, are enthusiastic supporters of H.R. 7213, which would ensure access for Medicare beneficiaries to pharmacist services, such as testing, treatment and vaccinations for COVID-19 and beyond, including other respiratory illnesses such as influenza, strep throat and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). H.R. 7213 also establishes Medicare coverage and payment for new pharmacy- and pharmacist-provided services in the case of Public Health Emergencies, ensuring that pharmacists can continue to safeguard our nation’s communities against future public health threats. We commend U.S. Representatives Kind, McKinley, Carter & Barragán for introducing this legislation and recognizing the critical role that pharmacists play in protecting the health and well-being of patients and consumers across the nation. The introduction of H.R. 7213 underscores the importance of pharmacists’ services related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other illnesses – as well as pharmacists’ vital role in providing a reliable source of care where, for millions of vulnerable and underserved patients, no alternatives exist.”

Rich Tremonte, executive vice president and president of Customer Operations, Animal Health, and Community & Specialty Pharmacy (CSP) at  AmerisourceBergen

Rich Tremonte

As a pharmaceutical distributor to thousands of independent, retail, health system and long-term care pharmacies, AmerisourceBergen supports legislation to recognize and enhance the pivotal role pharmacists play in increasing access to care. It has been an honor to help serve our country as a vital partner in the pandemic response effort, from distributing COVID-19 therapies and supporting access to COVID-19 vaccines for independent pharmacies nationwide. At AB, we have always known that pharmacies are an essential part of our healthcare system, but this pandemic has revealed just how critical these sites of care are to addressing public health emergencies. We are united with pharmacists in our mission to create healthier futures, and it is our hope that this development is the first of many that will empower pharmacists to continue their superior level of care, and pave the way for a more equitable and accessible healthcare system in the future.

Please find the official press release from the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition here: NATIONAL COALITION APPLAUDS BIPARTISAN FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO COMBAT COVID-19, IMPROVE PATIENT ACCESS & RESPOND TO FUTURE PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS