02/16/2026
Pennsylvania pharmacists are expanding their role to help fill gaps in healthcare access. Facing provider shortages, especially in rural areas, independent pharmacists are now offering more healthcare services, from monthly chronic disease assessments and resource referrals to coordinating care and closing care gaps. Under the new MOMENTUM program, pharmacists are paid for providing these services, allowing them to spend more time supporting patients, providing overdose-prevention education, and connecting them to things like food assistance and transportation resources. Pharmacies are often easier to access than doctors’ offices, with Medicaid members visiting pharmacies far more frequently, making them ideal for expanding patient care. The shift is helping both patients and independent pharmacies struggling to stay open, with plans to keep evolving these services to meet the needs of healthcare consumers.
