August 26, 2021 - The global pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck is the latest company to announce it will stop offering 340B discounts to hospitals on drugs dispensed to patients at community pharmacies. The move comes three months after the federal government warned drug companies that such actions are unlawful under the 340B drug pricing program statute. Merck will become the … [Read more...]
Hope and Vigilance in the 340B Community
By Maureen Testoni August 9, 2021– From my perspective, last month’s 340B Coalition Summer Conference was notable for several reasons. The first was that it marked the 25th year of hosting the conference, reflecting on a quarter-century of work to ensure the 340B drug pricing program delivers on its benefits for safety-net hospitals, health centers, and clinics with a … [Read more...]
Bipartisan Congressional Calls to Protect 340B Intensify
Aug. 4, 2021– A pair of lawmakers is working to advance the latest example of bipartisan, pro-340B legislation in Congress. Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and David McKinley (R-W.V.) recently introduced the Preserving Rules Ordered for The Entities Covered Through 340B Act, also known as the PROTECT 340B Act, and are gathering cosponsors from both sides of the political … [Read more...]
Faces of 340B: Wellbeing and Peace of Mind
July 19, 2021– Despite lifelong health challenges, Chicago resident Tracy Kimble exudes a spirit of perseverance and independence. But there was a time in his life when Tracy felt the despair of being forced to choose between supporting his family and supporting his health. That’s when UI Health in Chicago and the 340B drug pricing program intervened to provide the assistance … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim Joins in the Attacks on 340B
July 12, 2021– The pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), a manufacturer headquartered in Germany, is the latest company to announce it is cutting off discounts to safety-net hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program. If BI goes through with its threat on Aug. 1, it will become the seventh drug company to limit 340B discounts despite strong warnings by … [Read more...]
As Losses Mount, 340B Pharmacy Dispute Takes Twists and Turns
By Maureen Testoni June 29, 2021– The year-long dispute over drug companies flouting the 340B statute and denying drug price discounts to hospitals, community health centers, and public health clinics partnering with community pharmacies continues to play out in Washington and in courts around the country. Since last summer, six drug companies – Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, … [Read more...]
Research Demonstrates 340B Hospitals’ Work to Serve the Underserved
June 25, 2021– Tens of millions of people in the U.S. who are living with chronic diseases require access to regular care and support to help them manage their conditions and live their best possible lives. For too many patients of color, those living with disabilities, and those who have low incomes, the broader health care system often falls short in providing them the care … [Read more...]