By Monty Siekerman

Pharmacy students "demonstrated," more like rallied, at the Ada Public Library on Thursday, wanting Congressman Bob Latta's support of House Bill 592 which would make pharmacists Medicare providers in medically underserved areas such as Hardin county.

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About 45 students and professors were armed with a bullhorn and signs as they waited to meet with LuAnne Cooke, a district representative for Congressman Latta.

Why do pharmacists want to be considered providers?

Student pharmacist Kay Bahrey explains that nowadays pharmacists provide a lot of information counseling and disease management to customers; the job is more than counting pills.

She explained that provider status would give pharmacists the recognition they deserve, the ability to adjust medicine regimens, and reimbursement for the time spent educating and medically managing patients – things they already do.

HR 592 has 223 bi-partisan co-sponsors in the US House of Representatives. Mrs. Cooke will relay their request for Rep. Latta to become a bill co-sponsor to the congressman.