March 7, 2016—Although drugmakers are not required to provide rural and cancer hospitals 340B discounts on orphan drugs, they may do so voluntarily, the Health Resources and Services Administration says in an update to the Office of Pharmacy Affairs website. … [Read more...]
Trump Fleshes Out Healthcare Policies
Although drug industry "is in the private sector…[it] provide[s] a public service"March 3, 2016—Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has fleshed out his healthcare agenda in a seven-point position paper that includes repealing the Affordable Care Act, giving states more control over Medicaid, and removing barriers to drug imports. … [Read more...]
New Video: 340B Drug Discount Program Explained
Check out 340B Health's new YouTube video for an overview of 340B and how it works for hospitals and patients. … [Read more...]
Brand-name and Specialty Drug Prices Skyrocketing, AARP Study Finds
Nation might not be able to rely on lower-priced generics as a counterbalance any longerMarch 1, 2016—Retail prices for 622 brand name, generic, and specialty prescription drugs widely used by Medicare beneficiaries rose by an average of 9.4 percent in 2013, a far higher rate than in the previous seven years and far above 2013's general inflation rate of 1.5 percent, new research shows. … [Read more...]
CMS Sends States Guidance on Implementing Medicaid Drug Rebate Program Final Rule
Topics include reimbursement and dispensing fees for 340B drugsFebruary 26, 2016—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has sent state Medicaid agencies guidance on how to implement new final regulations governing Medicaid reimbursement for covered outpatient drugs, including those bought through the 340B drug discount program. … [Read more...]
House Appropriations Chairman Slams 340B User Fee Again
Proposal "chips away at the sustainability" of rural hospitalsFebruary 25, 2016—House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) has again criticized the Obama administration's proposal to begin financing the 340B program through user fees on drug purchases. … [Read more...]
Pedley Cites Benefits of 340B Regulatory Authority
Requirements could be more specific with binding rulesFebruary 23, 2016—Congress would strengthen the Health Resources and Services Administration's hand in managing the 340B drug discount program if it gave it HRSA clear authority to issue binding and enforceable 340B regulations, the head HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs says. … [Read more...]