Episode 19: Your Pharmacy, Your Voice: Why HR 3164 (ECAPS) Needs You

In this episode of Independent Insights, host Suzanne Feeney sits down with Josh Babb, Senior Director of Government Relations at McKesson, to unpack H.R. 3164, the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS). This bipartisan bill could be a game-changer for independent pharmacies, finally allowing Medicare Part B reimbursement for pharmacist-provided services in states where they’re already authorized to deliver care. 

If you’re an independent pharmacist, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll hear real stories, understand the legislative landscape, and walk away with clear calls to action, from contacting your legislators to preparing your pharmacy for expanded services. ECAPS isn’t just about policy, it’s about people, access, and the future of pharmacy.

Host
Suzanne Feeney, PharmD
Sr. Director, Pharmacy Solutions
McKesson / Health Mart

Guests
Josh Babb
Senior Director, Government Relations
McKesson

Resources
Health Mart University (HMU) for: 

• Helpful CE courses and more on advocacy
• Health Mart pharmacists to claim their CE credit for weekly GameChangers episodes

Action Items for Listeners:

1. Know Your Legislators
   Check if your representatives are co-sponsors of H.R. 3164:
   Find Your Representative & Bill Status
2. Contact Your Legislators
   Call or email your representative.
   Share personal stories of patient impact and care gaps.
   Ask for their support or thank them if they're already co-sponsors.
3. Subscribe to Advocacy Updates
   Stay informed and get involved through Health Mart's advocacy portal:
   Health Mart Advocacy Portal 
4. Prepare Your Pharmacy
   Start offering eligible services (flue, strep, RSV, COVID-19).
   Explore billing options (commercial insurance, cash).
   Get operationally ready for Medicare reimbursement.
5. Host a Legislator Visit
   Interested in hosting a member of Congress in your pharmacy?
   Listen to Episode 17: From Aisles to Action: Welcoming Legislators into Your Pharmacy.
   Reach out to McKesson or Health Mart to get connected.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of Health Mart, McKesson or its affiliates or subsidiaries ("McKesson”). The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the rendering of clinical, legal or other professional advice by McKesson.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Why ECAPS Matters
• 2:09 Legal Context And Liability Disclaimer
• 2:09 Rural Story Illustrating The Gap
• 3:18 Why This Year Looks Different
• 5:28 Overcoming Past Barriers And Messaging
• 7:23 Urgency, Advocacy, And Personal Stories
• 9:23 Hosting Lawmakers In Pharmacies
• 11:23 ECAPS As One Step In Reimbursement
• 12:39 Rebuilding Momentum After COVID
• 14:04 What ECAPS Actually Covers
• 16:05 Long-Term Impact On Care Models
• 18:05 Preparing Operations And Leaning In
• 19:48 How To Engage And Get Updates
• 21:10 Timeline And Windows To Pass
• 23:00 Concrete Calls To Action And Close