(Washington, D.C.) — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement Tuesday on the introduction of The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act in the U.S. House by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Doris Matsui (D-CA).

“America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) strongly support bipartisan solutions to empower clinicians, including pharmacists, to practice at the top of their license so that they can provide, and be reimbursed for, more services that help patients, especially in underserved rural areas,” said PCMA president and CEO JC Scott. “PCMA commends the sponsors of The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act for their collaborative work, across party lines, to expand options for seniors to access critical testing for respiratory conditions and then get the treatment they need to manage their health and avoid the increased potential for negative outcomes from delayed care.”

“Just as America’s PBMs are rapidly evolving and innovating in the marketplace with initiatives to support pharmacies facing substantial challenges, especially in sparsely populated areas, PCMA will continue to support public policy solutions that strengthen and protect access to pharmacy services and affordable medications for all patients.”

Learn more about PCMA’s “Affordable Future” platform, including recommendations to support and empower clinicians with the tools, data and flexibility to best serve patients HERE and HERE.

Learn more about PBM industry innovations to address challenges in the evolving prescription drug and pharmacy markets, including by supporting access to care in rural communities HERE.

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PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit companies. Pharmacy benefit companies are working every day to secure savings, enable better health outcomes, and support access to quality prescription drug coverage for more than 289 million patients.