ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has endorsed legislation that would further advanced care for Medicare patients with chronic conditions.

NACDS said Thursday that it has sent letters of support Reps. Erik Paulsen (R., Minn.) and Peter Welch (D., Vt.), the original sponsors of the Better Care, Lower Cost Act (H.R. 4878). The bill would amend the Social Security Act to create a Medicare Better Care Program (BCP) to provide integrated medical care for patients with chronic illnesses.

“Your legislation will promote accountability and better care management for chronically ill patients and provide coordinated services under Parts A, B and D, while recognizing that pharmacists and pharmacy services have great potential to improve care for patients with chronic health conditions,” NACDS stated in the letters.

BCPs provide a coordinated, team-based care approach of health care providers and payers to help patients with chronic conditions better manage their health. The aim is to improve care for these patients by eliminating some of the barriers in the current fee-for-service reimbursement system, as well as to remove some of the limitations on federal accountable care organizations (ACOs), such as attribution of patients.

NACDS’ letters highlighted the ability of pharmacists to improve access to quality care and patient health, as well as to make health care more affordable.

“As the demand for health care services continues to grow, pharmacists have expanded their role in healthcare delivery, partnering with physicians, nurses and other health care providers to meet their patients’ needs,” NACDS explained. “By providing services that allow patients to take their medications more effectively and by providing preventive services, pharmacists help patients avoid more costly forms of care down the line.

“We are happy that the effectiveness of pharmacists in delivering patient care is resonating with policymakers,” NACDS added.