Hospital 340B Drug Pricing Program Policy Reversal a 'Gut Punch'

Healthcare attorney Susan Banks was quoted in a Modern Healthcare article about the federal government reversing a policy that streamlined a Medicare 340B drug pricing program certification during the COVID-19 pandemic. This reversal will limit providers' access to discounts, which will affect hospitals, as well as physicians groups and outpatient facilities that treat low-income and uninsured patients. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) made this change after an audit that took place in May that found one-third of hospitals were using 340B drugs in unregistered sites. Ms. Banks commented on the hit that this will bring to hospitals after losing their access to medication discounts.

"The [policy] reversal is a gut punch to hospitals hoping for more permanent flexibility," she said.

READ: Hospital 340B Drug Pricing Program Policy Reversal a 'Gut Punch' (Subscription required)