The pharmacist will see you now: Pharmacist prescriptive authority and access to care

Abstract

In 2018, Idaho became the first state to grant broad prescriptive authority to pharmacists for select medications, such as rescue inhalers (a drug to prevent and treat asthmatic symptoms) and insulin pen needles (for people with diabetes). We analyze the impact of this reform on Medicare beneficiaries' access to these time‐sensitive treatments. Our findings reveal increased Medicare Part D claims, 30‐day fills, and 30‐day supplies of albuterol sulfate and insulin pen needles following expanded pharmacist authority. This translates to approximately three additional patients per pharmacist receiving timely care, potentially preventing costly alternatives such as emergency room visits.