It is evident that Congress was aware of the potential issue with a broad definition of ‘patient,' had the tools to limit the definition, and chose NOT to limit the definition.

U.S. District Court of South Carolina Upholds Fundamental Patient Definition for 340B Covered Entities

In a recent decision, the US District Court of South Carolina reinforces the original intention of patient definition for 340B covered entities, advocating for a ‘broad’ interpretation. Emphasizing the program’s core mission, the ruling reinforces Congress’ initial intent—to safeguard vulnerable communities from skyrocketing drug costs. This reaffirmation solidifies the program’s commitment to ensuring vital access…

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Diabetes patient takes insulin

How the 340B Program Transforms Access to Vital Diabetes Medications

A New Groundbreaking Study Reveals Real-Life Impact, Cost Savings, and Barriers Faced by Underserved Diabetes Patients in Safety-Net Clinics   The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program provides discounted drug prices to safety-net entities, enabling them to serve more vulnerable patients. This program has become indispensable with the escalating costs of medications, including high-cost injectable diabetes…

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Five Horizons Health Services Provides HIV Prevention in West Alabama & East Mississippi with 340B

Five Horizons Health Services Provides HIV Prevention in West Alabama & East Mississippi with 340B The 340B Program allows the rural healthcare facility to provide high-quality, patient-centered medical, dental, prevention, behavioral health, testing, and case management services. by Shey Thorn, MPH, Chief of Staff, Five Horizons Health Services October 2023   Five Horizons Health Services…

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History of the 340B Program

History of the 340B Program by Januari Fox, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Community Engagement, Prism Health North Texas Administration October 2022 Republished from the Dallas Medical Journal. Find the original article here.   A little-known program that establishes pathways of care for underserved communities is under attack by drug manufacturers. Created in 1992, the…

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Rural Hospitals Rely on 340B

Rural Hospitals Rely on the 340B Drug Pricing Program by Craig Thompson, Missouri Independent September 12, 2023 Republished from the Missouri Independent. Find original article HERE.  According to a recent report, roughly 35% of rural hospitals in Missouri are at risk of closing as a result of inadequate revenue and low financial reserves. This comes as…

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340B Report: Providers March to Capitol Hill for Second Straight Year to ‘Defend 340B’ (Excerpt by Permission)

Providers March to Capitol Hill for Second Straight Year to ‘Defend 340B’ July 13, 2023 William Newton   Read the full article: Providers March to Capitol Hill for Second Straight Year to Defend 340B reprint excerpt. Excerpted by Permission of 340B Report. On a sunny, humid, 92-degree afternoon in Washington, D.C., over 50 safety- net…

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Federal Judges Issue Decisions Regarding Safety-Net Provider Drug Dispensing Methods

Federal Judges Issue Decisions Regarding Safety-Net Provider Drug Dispensing Methods Over the past two weeks, federal judges have issued decisions that directly impact the health and safety of underserved communities and the safety-net providers that serve them.   Each decision regards whether safety-net providers are entitled to use pharmacies that are not located at the provider’s…

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Merck Restricts Purchases of 340B Drugs for 340B Hospitals Effective September 1st, 2021

On August 11, Merck issued a letter announcing its policy to stop “voluntarily” providing 340B discounts to 340B hospitals on drugs dispensed at contract pharmacies unless the hospital provides 340B contract pharmacy claims data through the 340B ESPTM  platform for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid claims.  Merck joins seven other drug manufacturers that have adopted similar policies based on their…

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Indiana District Court Holds Important Hearing on HRSA’s Enforcement and Eli Lilly’s 340B Price Restrictions

On July 30, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana held oral arguments in the case, Eli Lilly et al. v. Becerra et al., regarding the May 17 enforcement letter (“May 17 Letter”) that HRSA sent to Eli Lilly and other drug manufacturers informing them of HRSA’s formal determination that their actions to…

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