Colorado Passes Payment for Services Legislation
Colorado passed legislation last week requiring payment for health care services provided by a pharmacist. HB 18-112, which passed in the Colorado Senate on Friday, March 23, is the first bill in Colorado to require payment for pharmacist-provided services. The bill requires a health benefit plan to provide coverage for health care services provided by a pharmacist if:
- The services are provided within a health professional shortage area; and
- The health benefit plan provides coverage for the same services provided by a licensed physician or advanced practice nurse.
This means pharmacists in Colorado can now be reimbursed for non-dispensing services such as provision of contraception services, vaccine administration and tobacco cessation counseling.
The bill now goes to the governor for signature.