Rep. Buddy Carter Presses for Congressional Action on Long-Term Care Crisis During Energy and Commerce Legislative Hearing

DATE: January 8, 2026

During the Energy and Commerce Committee’s January 8 hearing, Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Medicare Services, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), an original co-sponsor of H.R. 5031, the Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act, underscored the urgent need for the Committee and Congress to advance this critical legislation to protect seniors’ access to essential LTC pharmacy services. 

We are grateful for Rep. Carter’s continued leadership in addressing the long-term care crisis and for underscoring why this bill matters for seniors, saying that this is “a bipartisan piece of legislation that provides a critical fix so seniors can continue to access safe, reliable, long-term care pharmacy services they deserve. These bills are especially vital for seniors in rural areas.” 

Recent findings from the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition (SCPC) and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) reveal that 80% of long-term care pharmacy operators surveyed expect to reduce services or cease operations in certain regions, disproportionately impacting rural communities. In some cases, loss of access to pharmacy services could even force care facilities to close. 

We are encouraged that Chairman Morgan Griffith expressed his intent to work with Rep. Carter to advance this legislation and quickly secure a hearing. Their leadership is critical as Medicare Part D negotiated drug prices take effect, triggering a chain reaction that threatens access to essential medications and pharmacy services for nearly two million seniors in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. 

H.R. 5031/S.3159 provides a targeted solution by establishing a temporary supply fee for medications subject to negotiated Medicare prices dispensed by LTC pharmacies. This measure ensures pharmacies can continue delivering the specialized services required by federal law; services that keep vulnerable seniors safe and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. 

With bipartisan support and increasingly high stakes, swift action is essential. We echo Rep. Carter’s call: Congress must prioritize this legislation to safeguard seniors’ access to critical pharmacy services and ensure continuity of care.