January 8, 2020- There are few certainties in life, and the oft-quoted duo is death and taxes. But we can consider adding at least a third item to this list. In January, the prices of many already expensive prescription drugs will rise. The only question is: By how much? This week we began to learn about the pricing intentions of some of the major drug manufacturers in the … [Read more...]
340B: The Year in Review and a Look Ahead
by Maureen Testoni December 20, 2019– As 2019 draws to a close, I find myself looking back on a historic year of vigorous discussion about drug costs. While no major actions – legislative or regulatory – were finalized this year, the table has been set for the years ahead. As always we will be watching closely to see where the 340B drug pricing program fits into the … [Read more...]
340B Highlights for 2019
Jan. 1. Civil monetary penalties go into effect for pharmaceutical manufacturers that “knowingly and intentionally” overcharge 340B covered entities. 340B Health and other hospital groups had taken the government to court after nearly nine years of delay. Feb. 6. In his State of the Union address to Congress, President Trump asked lawmakers to work with him “to eliminate the … [Read more...]
Faces of 340B: Caring Starts at Home
December 13, 2019- One patient immediately comes to mind when Jessica Larsen-Gallup is asked to explain how powerful the 340B drug pricing program can be for patients. The effect that 340B had on this patient can only be described as life changing. Jessica is the director of pharmacy business and analytics at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux … [Read more...]
The 340B Proof of Concept: Better Patient Health
December 5, 2019– When policymakers assess whether programs they created are having positive impacts on people and communities, they ask for evidence that things are better than they were before the program took effect. When it comes to the 340B drug pricing program, that proof is in the improved health of patients. A new report by 340B Health has important information about … [Read more...]
340B Provides Better Access to Diabetes Treatment
November 26, 2019– Public attention has increased in recent months to a health access challenge that 340B hospitals have been aware of for years. Many patients with diabetes are struggling to afford the cost of insulin and other expensive treatments they need to manage the disease and stay healthy. But with the help of 340B, many safety-net hospitals are doing great work to … [Read more...]
From the Grassroots: Policymakers Learn About 340B’s Impact
November 21, 2019– Leaders from three 340B hospital systems were on Capitol Hill on Nov. 20 to educate policymakers about the critical role the 340B drug savings program plays in supporting the nation’s health care safety net. An audience of congressional staffers, patient advocates, community leaders, and others attended a special briefing organized by 340B Health to hear … [Read more...]