October 20, 2022— A pair of new research reports adds to the growing body of evidence of the critical role 340B hospitals play in caring for patients living with low incomes. The research also demonstrates the crucial part these hospitals played in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for 340B drug discounts, most hospitals must document that they serve a … [Read more...]
Pharmacy Technicians Keep 340B Running Smoothly Despite Workforce Challenges
Oct. 18, 2022– When patients consider their interactions with a hospital pharmacy department, they immediately might think of a pharmacist. However, all these departments also rely on pharmacy technicians to operate smoothly. These dedicated techs provide a wide range of support to ensure an efficient pharmacy that complies with regulations and enables patient access to needed … [Read more...]
Faces of 340B: Patients Are Skipping Medications Because of Drug Company Restrictions
Sept. 23, 2022 – Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center (SMRMC) had big plans for how it could reach more patients in need in the communities that it serves. But that all changed when drug companies started restricting access to 340B drug pricing program discounts to SMRMC and other safety-net hospitals. “We had plans of extending our services to expand mental health … [Read more...]
Hospitals Say Medicare Must End 340B Cuts, Repay Harmed Facilities
September 19, 2022— Organizations representing hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program are calling on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to put a permanent end to controversial payment cuts for outpatient drugs under Medicare’s outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS). The cuts, which have been in place since 2018, have reduced the … [Read more...]
340B Makes Major Contributions to Cancer Care
Sept. 13, 2022– President Biden’s call for a “moonshot” campaign to cut the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years focuses renewed attention on ensuring access to affordable cancer care for patients living with low incomes and those who live in often-underserved rural communities across the country. The 340B drug pricing program plays a vital role in … [Read more...]
UPDATED: Drugmakers Cutting 340B Discounts Reported Record Revenues Last Year
August 24, 2022– Note: This story is updated to include information for additional drug companies that have imposed 340B restrictions since March 2022. The 18 drug companies that have imposed restrictions on safety-net hospital access to 340B drug pricing program discounts collectively brought in nearly $650 billion in revenues in 2021. The banner year for the companies … [Read more...]
Research Shows 340B Meeting Its Mission
August 18, 2022— A pair of recent studies add to the growing body of research concluding that hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program are providing the lion’s share of care for patients who are most in need. These include people who cannot afford the services they need and people who historically have been underserved by the broader health care system. The … [Read more...]