January 10, 2018—The full House Energy & Commerce Committee released a report this afternoon calling on Congress to clarify the 340B program’s intent, give the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) more regulatory authority over the program, increase reporting requirements for hospitals, and revise hospital eligibility requirements.
340B Health, which represents more than 1,300 hospitals and health systems in the 340B program, issued the following statement today: “340B Health appreciates the work of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce regarding its review of the 340B drug pricing program. We also appreciate the committee’s finding that the 340B program “is an important program that enjoys strong bipartisan support in Congress.” By reducing the prices safety-net hospitals pay for outpatient prescription drugs, the 340B program supports care for millions of low-income and rural Americans. We also thank the committee for its recommendations regarding greater oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturers. We support having a thoughtful conversation about the transparency of the 340B program. We are concerned, however, by recommendations that could limit the scope of the program, cause unnecessary burdens, and hinder the ability of hospitals to provide care to low-income and rural Americans. We look forward to reviewing the report in detail and discussing its findings and recommendations with policymakers from both parties.”