When the Government Stops, 340B Keeps Working

The 340B Drug Pricing Program stretches limited federal healthcare resources without raising taxes. It requires drug manufacturers to provide discounts to nonprofit hospitals and clinics, which use the savings to expand access to affordable care in their communities.

Even when government action stalls, 340B keeps clinics open, supports providers, and ensures patients can get the care and medications they need. Without it, the cost of care would fall on taxpayers, and too many patients would be left behind.

Today, more than thirty drug companies are unlawfully restricting 340B pricing, diverting savings meant for patients into corporate profits. At the same time, many Americans who benefit from 340B every day have never heard of it.

That’s where we come in. Community Voices for 340B (CV340B) is a nonprofit coalition dedicated to educating the public and mobilizing advocates to protect the program—and the care it makes possible. Join us to #Defend340B and keep healthcare working for everyone.

What is 340B?

First established in 1992 through bipartisan legislation, the federal 340B drug discount program operates on the simple principle of requiring drug companies to provide drugs at a discounted price to certain types of nonprofit hospitals and clinics that, in turn, use their 340B savings to provide affordable healthcare in their communities. That reinvestment in patients and communities without taxpayer dollars has made the 340B program successful. 340B providers can do more with their limited dollars to benefit their communities.

For over 30 years, the 340B program has consistently helped safety net providers meet their communities’ unique public health needs. Congress has acted several times to extend program eligibility to additional categories of hospitals. However, despite affecting just two percent of all drug sales in the United States, the program remains deeply unpopular within the drug industry.

Defending the 340B Program

Without a significant and sustained effort to raise public awareness of the 340B program’s benefits, the program faces an uncertain future. Providers and their healthcare industry supporters have worked to defend the 340B program, recognizing its actual value in providing patients with affordable care, but they need the help of you and other Americans.

ACT NOW to defend the 340B program against ongoing attacks by the drug industry.

America, join our community!

Get monthly updates about how to #Defend340B and take action in your community.

Ready to act now? Send a message to your policymaker today asking them to #Defend340B.

Don’t let Big Pharma shrink the program that’s helping thousands access affordable healthcare.

Background on 340B Drug Pricing Program

Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act
The federal 340B Drug Discount Program is a lifeline that allows safety net providers to obtain prescription drugs at below-retail prices. The program was established with bipartisan support as part of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
Office of Pharmacy Affairs, located within the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services, administers the 340B program. HRSA and OPA are located in Rockville, MD, and are responsible for interpreting and implementing the 340B law.

OPA Information System (OPAIS)
Find 340B covered entities near you. Search the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Database to find Disproportionate Share Hospitals; Federally Qualified Health Centers; Rural Referral Centers; Sole Community Hospitals; Community Health Centers; Hemophilia Treatment Facilities; and Ryan White Clinics that rely on the 340B program.

Myth vs. Fact – 340B Coaltion
There’s a lot of misinformation about the 340B program out there. Get the facts about the intent of the program, who benefits from the 340B program, and why the 340B program is necessary to communities across the country.

Key Acronyms and Terms Related to the 340B Program
340B Health has listed several key acronyms and terms related to the 340B program. This includes government agencies, types of covered entities, legislation, nonprofit organizations, vendors, and more.