Recently we learned of a new bill that would name pharmacists to health care teams responsible for providing “integrated care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions.” Kudos to Senator Wyden (D–OR), the expected next chair of the Finance Committee, and Senator Isakson (R–GA) as the lead Republican. They are collaborating with sponsors in the House of Representatives to create “Better Care Programs” (BCPs) for these patients.

This proposed legislation—the Better Care, Lower Cost Act (S. 1932/H.R. 3890)—would amend the Social Security Act by adding a new section where BCPs are established and described. In the House, the same legislation was introduced by Reps. Paulsen (R–MN) and Welch (D–VT). APhA staff members have met with some of the sponsors and lobbied to have pharmacists included, and we succeeded—see page 14 of the bill. But our work is just beginning. We’re just getting started on this bill and will have more information in the coming weeks.