Griffith, Welch Introduce Bill for Underserved Pharmacies Medicare Access

Statement

Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act of 2017.

This bill amends the Social Security Act so that those on Medicare living in underserved areas can still access community pharmacies. The bill designates those as network pharmacies for Medicare prescription drug coverage and other purposes.

Congressman Griffith said, "Community pharmacies play a critical role in providing seniors in Southwest Virginia and other rural areas with an ability to fill prescriptions for the medications they depend on. The network pharmacy designation allows rural residents to receive the same reductions in coinsurance or copayments that those in higher population areas are able to receive."

Congressman Welch said, "Vermont seniors need reliable access to affordable medicines no matter where they live. Our legislation will help ensure that seniors are able to fill their prescriptions at their local pharmacy."

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