Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) have introduced H.R. 5031, the Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act. The bipartisan bill aims to maintain access to essential medications and pharmacy services for seniors and other residents in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers.
The legislation proposes a temporary supply fee for each prescription dispensed under Medicare Part D in 2026 and 2027. LTC pharmacies would receive $30 per eligible prescription in 2026, with the amount increasing in 2027 based on inflation. This fee is intended to be paid in addition to existing payments for drug costs and dispensing fees, with penalties set for Medicare drug plans that fail to pay it. The federal government will reimburse Medicare plans for these supply fees after each plan year.
According to Rep. Van Duyne, “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. The Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act provides a critical fix now, before a crisis hits, so seniors can continue to access the safe, reliable pharmacy services they deserve.”
Rep. Schneider stated, “Long term care pharmacies ensure patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other care facilities can reliably receive essential medications, right where they receive their care. I’m pleased to join my colleague Rep. Van Duyne in introducing this legislation which will enable LTC pharmacies to keep their doors open and continue to provide seniors and patients with the medication and services they need, without interruption.”
Rep. Carter added his support: “As a pharmacist with experience servicing nursing homes, 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.”
Alan Rosenbloom, President and CEO of SCPC said: “SCPC’s 400 plus pharmacy members and the millions of patients we serve across the country stand in support of H.R. 5031, which aims to provide a critical LTC Pharmacy Fix before many pharmacies are forced to close their doors in 2026. We commend Rep. Van Duyne and Rep. Schneider for stepping up to address a problem LTC pharmacies urgently need to solve to protect essential LTC care and services, like medication management, 24/7 support, emergency delivery, and care coordination.”
The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study economic sustainability of LTC pharmacy participation in Medicare and recommend policies focused on preserving access—especially for rural areas.
The introduction of this legislation comes as some lawmakers seek solutions amid concerns over rising costs threatening long-term care pharmacy operations nationwide.
Beth Van Duyne has previously won several general elections: In 2024 she defeated Sam Eppler by receiving about 60% of votes; she also won against Jan McDowell in 2022 with nearly the same margin; her first win was against Candace Valenzuela in 2020 by a narrow margin.
