After a long period in which many 340B providers felt helpless, the last month has brought two major wins. … [Read more...]
CMS Should Heed the Advice of 340B Community on Medicare Negotiations
The Biden administration deserves credit for playing a key role in passing the first law in history to allow the government to negotiate lower drug prices for America’s 61 million Medicare beneficiaries. … [Read more...]
Turning 340B Into a Rebate Program a Non-Starter
If things were not difficult enough already for 340B providers, hospitals woke up on Friday morning to an announcement that one of the world’s biggest drug manufacturers was moving forward with a plan to convert the 340B program to a rebate … [Read more...]
Three Key Observations from Efforts to Restore 340B Discounts in the States
After six months of heated battles in the states to restore access to 340B drug discounts in the contract pharmacy setting, it’s a good time to reflect on providers’ progress and setbacks. … [Read more...]
340B and The Likely Path Forward
Despite its importance, the 340B drug discount program rarely ever goes under the Congressional spotlight. In fact, until the June 4th House Energy & Commerce (E&C) Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing, there had not been a … [Read more...]
Momentum Continues in States on Contract Pharmacy Access
In last month’s column, I wrote about a reprehensible campaign by 340B opponents to tie this critically important drug discount program to the contentious issue of immigration. A dark money campaign started to pour money into red states to try to … [Read more...]
Despite 340B Opponents’ Unprecedented Tactics, Many States Progress on Contract Pharmacy Protection Legislation
After over 30 years of working in Washington, D.C., I have become accustomed to the expression “politics ain’t beanbag.” The phrase, as the Christian Science Monitor explains, means “life is rough; get over it” to someone who receives bruising … [Read more...]
Key Takeaways from the SUSTAIN 340B Act and Things to Consider When Weighing In (Part 2)
(Part Two of a Two-Part Analysis) In February, the U.S. Senate bipartisan “Group of Six” released an eagerly anticipated discussion draft bill and a bill summary/request for more information on the most highly debated issues in the 340B program. The … [Read more...]
Key Takeaways from Senate Group of Six Draft 340B Bill (Part 1)
(Part One of a Two-Part Analysis) After reviewing comments from over 250 stakeholders, meeting with various interest groups and holding regular staff meetings, the U.S. Senate bipartisan “Group of Six” have released a highly … [Read more...]
Action on 340B Contract Pharmacies Turns to the States
As we approach the 16-month mark since we had pivotal arguments over the 340B contract pharmacy program in two federal appellate courts and Congress continues to offer no relief, a growing number of 340B providers are turning to state legislatures … [Read more...]