Frankfort, Kentucky (November 11, 2025) – As Kentucky lawmakers prepare to convene the 2026 Regular Session in January, Representative Amy Neighbors is working to make sure they are ready to take up legislation that would help protect access to health care in communities across the Commonwealth. Specifically, Neighbors proposes to allow pharmacists to be reimbursed for clinical services Medicaid already covers when provided by other non‑physician practitioners. The Edmonton Republican presented the bill and answered questions during the August meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services.
“Taking time off work to get a blood pressure check or leaving midday to bring your teenager in for an asthma inhaler refill is not easy for many working families – particularly those on Medicaid who are trying to work their way off the program. Even routine needs, like flu shots, managing insulin for diabetes, or receiving guidance on a new cholesterol medication, are easily met by pharmacists. They have extended hours, walk-in availability and are often the most accessible healthcare professionals in a community. They play a vital role in managing medications, preventing chronic illnesses, and educating patients.” Neighbors said. “Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care professionals in our communities, especially in our rural and underserved areas. It is past time to make it easier for them to be paid for the work they are already doing.”
The measure is a duplicate of HB 3 from the 2025 Regular Session, and part of almost a decade’s worth of work. According to Neighbors’s committee testimony, the proposal “does not expand the scope of pharmacy practice or require Medicaid to cover any new services,” instead it aligns Medicaid with legislation that passed in 2021 (HB 48) that requires private commercial insurers to reimburse pharmacists at parity with other non‑physician providers for the same services.
The proposal has the support of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association and health care advocacy groups like Kentucky Voices for Health. According to the KPhA, the cost savings of pharmacy-provided care is $4.40 return for every $1 spent. It also has an impact on quality of life, as it improves outcomes for chronic conditions like diabetes.
“Data from every state that has enacted similar legislation shows Medicaid either already saving money or trending towards measurable cost savings,” Neighbors added. “This proposal goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to make Medicaid more cost-effective and efficient at actually helping Kentuckians get healthier. I’m looking forward to continuing these discussions and working with my colleagues to get the 2026 version of this measure across the finish line.”
(Laura Leigh Goins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – Kentucky House of Representatives)