Van Duyne Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors’ Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies

Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R) and Brad Schneider (D) have introduced a bipartisan bill that protects seniors’ access to long-term care (LTC) pharmacies, which provide essential medications and pharmacy services to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar care settings.

H.R. 5031, known as the Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act, is also co-sponsored by Reps. Buddy Carter (R), Sharice Davids (D), and Deborah Ross (D).

If passed, it would establish a temporary supply fee for prescriptions dispensed under Medicare Part D to ensure LTC pharmacies can continue operating beyond 2026.

In a statement, Rep. Van Duyne said that “long-term care pharmacies are a lifeline for millions of seniors and their families.” “If we fail to act before January 1, 2026, many of these pharmacies will be forced to close their doors, leaving nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and vulnerable patients without the care they rely on,” she warned.

Under the bill, LTC pharmacies would receive a $30 supply fee per eligible prescription in 2026, and the amount would increase in 2027 based on inflation. The fee would supplement existing reimbursements for drug costs and dispensing fees, and Medicare drug plans that fail to comply could face civil penalties of at least $10,000 per violation.

The federal government would then reimburse Medicare plans for the cost of the fees after each plan year.

Sharing his experience as a pharmacist who’s worked with nursing homes, Rep. Carter added, “I understand how important it is that seniors maintain access to essential medications and other pharmacy services.” “That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act, which will ensure that more than two million seniors continue to receive the care that they need.”

The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study the long-term sustainability of LTC pharmacies, particularly in rural communities.