I have had the privilege of being on the frontlines protecting the 340B program since 1996, just a few years after the program was enacted into law. We have had our share of challenges over the years, including a close call in the mid-1990s when the … [Read more...]
How a U.S. Supreme Court decision underscores the need for government action on 340B crisis
September 24, 2020 by
Two months ago, I wrote about the importance of the November elections for the 340B program’s future. Perhaps sensing a less-friendly political environment in 2021, the drug industry has fired the first missiles in what could be a long battle. While … [Read more...]
Recent Actions Underscore the Need for a Renewed Focus on Protecting 340B
August 30, 2020 by
It is hard to believe that the 340B provider community was celebrating two important victories just a few months ago. In June, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that it was eliminating a long-standing barrier that kept … [Read more...]
Threats to the 340B Program and How to Successfully Tackle Them
August 30, 2020 by
The 340B program is facing its biggest challenges since the early days of the program when drug company lobbyists almost convinced Congress to make the program voluntary for pharmaceutical manufacturers. “We are facing the greatest threats to the … [Read more...]
340B Contract Pharmacy: A Great Opportunity That Requires Vigilance
June 18, 2020 by
As health centers continue to grapple with unprecedented financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have explored ways to further tap into the 340B drug pricing program. While 340B savings have become even more essential during this economic … [Read more...]
Time to Tackle Racial Disparities in Health Care
June 18, 2020 by
The brutal deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery have exposed the country to the systematic racism and injustice that Black Americans face daily. As we reach an inflection point on social injustice, it is time to act on equal access to health … [Read more...]
Telehealth and 340B in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond
May 24, 2020 by
As health centers approach their second quarter of treating patients in the COVID-19 era, one thing is for certain-- telehealth is here to stay. While some of the accommodations that the government has provided may tighten in the post-COVID world, … [Read more...]
The nation’s view of the drug industry and its implications for 340B stakeholders
May 14, 2020 by
As the scientific community continues to devote unprecedented attention and resources to finding treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19, policymakers are wondering whether Americans’ attitudes towards the pharmaceutical industry will change. Last … [Read more...]
Coronavirus likely to sideline 2020 policy changes for prescription pricing and 340B, while Medicare Part B reimbursement changes continue as planned
April 1, 2020 by
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is not only having a profound impact on our health care system, the American psyche, the stock market and the shelves at Costco — it will also affect what we can expect on drug pricing and 340B … [Read more...]
Time to Step Up Your Efforts at the State Level
January 21, 2020 by
Until recently, 340B program policy was largely debated in Washington, D.C. But as Congress remains stalemated on drug pricing, state capitols have suddenly leapt to the forefront. In this month’s column, I reflect on the … [Read more...]