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DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to preserve access to pharmacies and health care in rural communities. HB25-1222 passed by a vote of 61 to 1.
“Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this bill works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “From regular prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline to our communities. In fact if one rural pharmacy closes, the next one is typically more than 30 miles away, which means Coloradans are driving further for the care they need. This bipartisan bill aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our local pharmacies. This bill also permits telehealth for rural pharmacies, so no matter where you live, you can receive the health care you need.”
HB25-1222, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, aims to help preserve access to rural health care in a few ways. This bill:
Makes sure there is a fair reimbursement for rural independent pharmacies.
Allows the delivery of drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities.
Ensures fair audit recovery practices so rural independent pharmacies don’t close.
Allows remote operations for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans.
These modifications will help ensure that rural and underserved Coloradans can continue to access vital prescriptions and healthcare services close to home, without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays.