September 10, 2020— Five major pharmaceutical companies are flouting the 340B drug pricing program statute, and others appear poised to follow suit. But a vocal group of safety-net providers and national organizations are calling on the federal government to use its authority to put a stop to those actions before patients are harmed. Beginning in late June, the drug makers … [Read more...]
340B Experts Navigate in a World Turned Upside Down
By Maureen Testoni August 13, 2020 - In “Hamilton” – my favorite musical – performers describe Revolutionary-era America as “a world turned upside down.” For many of us who work to support the health care safety net in the U.S., that feels like a very apt description of our current environment. A worldwide pandemic coupled with a historic economic decline has changed the … [Read more...]
Faces of 340B: Coming Full Circle
July 28, 2020 – The opioid epidemic over the last decade has resulted in a spike in hepatitis C infections, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports have more than tripled since 2010. Public health and infectious disease experts believe that the common practice of sharing needles among people using opioids is a significant contributing factor to the rise in … [Read more...]
340B in Play During Pre-Recess Push in Congress
July 22, 2020— Congress returned to work this week after an extended July 4th recess for its final push for legislation before both chambers adjourn for a month-long recess in August. Key issues for 340B hospitals are on the table during this time. Lawmakers will focus much of their attention on a third round of response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The package is expected to … [Read more...]
Faces of 340B: A Prescription for Improved Quality of Life
July 20, 2020— A decade-and-a-half ago, Chicago patient Hanan Tadros was feeling overwhelmed. She was struggling to manage her multiple chronic health conditions and juggle her more than 10 prescription medications for diabetes, depression, and more. That’s when a hospital participating in the 340B drug pricing program intervened to help change her life for the … [Read more...]
340B DSH Hospitals Provide Three-Quarters of Medicaid Hospital Services
July 16, 2020— New research shows that disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals that participate in the 340B drug pricing program provide 75% of Medicaid hospital services. That figure is even more impressive when you consider that these facilities make up only 43% of all acute care hospitals. This conclusion is one of several key findings in 340B Health’s new report … [Read more...]
Bipartisan Bill Would Protect 340B Status During Emergency
July 8, 2020— New bipartisan legislation introduced by six senior members of the U.S. Senate would protect hospitals from losing eligibility for the 340B drug pricing program during the COVID-19 health emergency. The bill (S. 4160) was introduced July 2 by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the majority whip and second-ranking member in the Senate. Thune was joined by five original … [Read more...]