Could We Have the Makings of a Grand Bargain on 340B?

For the past three decades, hospitals and federal grantees have been more successful than pharmaceutical companies when it comes to policy changes to the 340B drug discount program.  Despite the drug industry’s deeper pockets, 340B covered entities have been able to leverage their local ties to federal and state lawmakers to (1) block legislation that they perceive to be harmful or (2) expand the program and make other changes that are favorable to their interests.  Prior to my current position as Publisher & CEO of 340B Report, I spent 22 years in the trenches advocating for the 340B program.  During this period, the program was extended to children’s and rural hospitals, the contract pharmacy program was significantly expanded, and important policing measures were put in place to ensure 340B providers received the correct price on drug purchases. On the state level, we began to pass bills to protect 340B providers from unfair reimbursement cuts by PBMs and other payors and that momentum continues today. Read more >