Funding the Frontline: Why Rural Pharmacists Must Be Part of the Transformation

In America’s rural communities, pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare providers. Beyond filling prescriptions, they provide critical health services including screenings, immunizations, chronic disease management and medication reconciliation. As states distribute Rural Health Transformation Program funds, it’s essential that pharmacists are recognized as key contributors to community health.

What Rural Pharmacists Provide

Outside of the doctor’s office, pharmacists are keeping communities healthy and thriving simply because pharmacists in rural areas often serve as the first and most frequent point of contact for their patients.

These are examples of ways rural pharmacists fill gaps for their patients:

• Accessibility: Patients with limited transportation options from medical care may rely on a local pharmacy for care such as blood pressure checks and glucose testing. Studies show nine in ten Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy.
• Personalized care: Providing education and support to patients they often know by name; patients depend on in-person connections from a community pharmacist.
• Flexibility: Rural pharmacists are experts in sourcing medications even when faced with geographical challenges, scare resources and other constraints.

Federal Rural Health Transformation Program

Yet, despite their vital role, pharmacists remain underutilized and underfunded. As states prepare to allocate funding from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, it’s essential that pharmacists are recognized as key contributors to community health and their funding reflects that. Allocation for funding remains on track and initial funding announcements are expected by December 31, 2025.

State Policy Changes Without a Price Tag

At Surescripts, we urge states to consider policy changes that expand pharmacists’ scope of practice. This approach strengthens the rural workforce by allowing pharmacists to deliver care aligned with their education and training while requiring no new funding.

We are hopeful that by formally recognizing pharmacists’ essential role and ensuring they are reimbursed for the care they provide, states can promote better health access, outcomes and sustainability.

Surescripts’ Long-Standing Commitment

For over two decades, Surescripts has built and maintained the infrastructure that supports care teams nationwide. From technical assistance to the infrastructure needed to thrive in evolving care models, we are empowering pharmacists to deliver safer, more efficient and more accessible care—especially in underserved rural areas.

Looking Ahead

It’s crucial to ensure pharmacists are included as funded, frontline care providers. Their ability to deliver screenings, manage chronic conditions and improve medication adherence makes them indispensable to rural health transformation. Surescripts stands ready to support this journey through technology, partnership and purpose.