WHEREAS, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), established in 1972, serves all Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal governments by advocating for the improvement of health care delivery to AI/ANs, as well as upholding the Federal government’s trust responsibility to AI/AN Tribal governments; and

WHEREAS, the unmet health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives are severe and the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives is far below that of the general population of the United States, resulting in an average life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives 4.2 years less than that for the U.S. all races population; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would recognize pharmacists as non-physician providers under Medicare Part B and make them eligible for reimbursement for services they provide to seniors in underserved areas; and

WHEREAS, this legislation seeks to increase access and improve quality of care by enabling pharmacists to provide patient care services as consistent with their education, training, and license. Enabling pharmacists to practices at the top of their education and training, and get better integrated into the patient’s health care team, will improve health outcomes and greatly benefit our populations; and