H.R. 3164 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, May 1, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMakes pharmacist services permanently covered by Medicare
Right now, Medicare has temporary coverage for certain services that pharmacists provide, like testing and treatment for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and strep throat. This bill would make that coverage permanent. It also extends coverage to other pharmacist services during declared public health emergencies, as long as the services follow each state's rules for what pharmacists are allowed to do.
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare, this means you could get testing and treatment from a pharmacist for certain illnesses without having to go to a doctor's office first, and Medicare would cover it. Pharmacists in your community would also have the certainty to offer these services long-term rather than wondering if the coverage will end.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, May 1, 2025)
Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
This bill provides for permanent coverage under Medicare of certain pharmacist services.
Specifically, the bill provides for permanent coverage of testing and treatment services provided by pharmacists relating to (1) COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat); and (2) other public health needs in relation to a declared public health emergency. (Similar authorities were temporarily granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency.) Such services must be provided in accordance with the applicable state laws governing pharmacists' scope of practice.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 3164
A BILL
Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
Sponsor: Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE-3) · Introduced May 1, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action May 21, 2026: “Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.”