U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) on Thursday announced that he has cosponsored bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing access to affordable health care for senior citizens across the nation.
The first bill, the CONNECT for Health Act of 2021, would make permanent flexibilities allowed through Medicare since January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second piece of legislation, the Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act, allows community pharmacies located in medically underserved areas to participate in Medicare Part D preferred pharmacy networks.
Carl praised the bipartisan work aimed at ensuring low-cost health care access to seniors.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things, including the importance of expanding and maintaining affordable, accessible health care options for our nation’s seniors,” said Carl. “I’m proud to work with a bipartisan group of colleagues on legislation to ensure our nation’s seniors can continue using telehealth options under their Medicare plan, while also enabling them to fill their prescriptions from a local pharmacy of their choosing.”
The Connect for Health Act of 2021 currently has 79 cosponsors. The release notes that the legislation is supported by more than 150 organizations, including the American Hospital Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Medical Association. The Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act currently has 16 cosponsors.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
