We greatly appreciate Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) being an original sponsor of H.R. 4190. Pharmacy Today’s July issue, which has been posted to pharmacist.com, includes a Q&A with Congressman Butterfield as part of an occasional series on champions of pharmacy in Congress. “I am from a small community in eastern North Carolina. I have been going to the same pharmacy down the street from my house for years,” he told Today. “Pharmacies are the lifeblood of many rural communities. They are deeply woven into the unique fabric and identity of every community.”

On March 11, 2014, Butterfield partnered with Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Todd Young (R-IN) to introduce legislation to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to enable patient access to, and coverage for, Medicare Part B services by state-licensed pharmacists in medically underserved communities (H.R. 4190). Congressman Butterfield explained how pharmacists could assist him in passing the legislation. “I encourage every reader to contact their state’s congressional delegation and ask [that] they show their commitment to pharmacists and America’s seniors by cosponsoring H.R. 4190,” he said. “The public’s advocacy for this very important bill will go a long way in helping to secure its passage.”

As of today, H.R. 4190 has amassed 67 cosponsors. Is your Member of Congress among them? If not, please send them a letter asking for their support.