For millions of Americans, especially those in rural communities, access to affordable medications is a constant struggle. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was designed to help safety-net providers stretch scarce resources, ensuring patients receive the care they need. A critical part of this system is the contract pharmacy, which extends the reach of 340B-covered entities beyond the walls of a single hospital or clinic.
Expanding Access in Pharmacy Deserts
In rural America, many patients live miles away from a hospital or community health center. According to the Rural Health Research Gateway, 138 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, leaving behind healthcare gaps that contract pharmacies help to fill. Without these partnerships, patients might be forced to travel long distances—sometimes over an hour—to obtain vital prescriptions. By working with community pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, and national chains, covered entities can ensure their patients have local, convenient options to access affordable medications.
Whole Patient Care: More Than Just Medications
Contract pharmacies do more than dispense drugs; they are an extension of whole patient care. When a 340B covered entity partners with a pharmacy, it enables continuity of care, helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2022, the association between medication adherence and health outcomes in patients with chronic coronary disease found that more than 1 in 4 participants reported medication nonadherence, which was associated with worse health status in both conservative and invasive treatment strategies at baseline and 12 months.
The Threat to Contract Pharmacies and Rural Patients
Despite their vital role, contract pharmacies have been under attack in recent years, with major drug manufacturers restricting access to 340B discounts. This directly harms patients by limiting where they can fill their prescriptions at a reduced cost. For many rural health providers, losing contract pharmacy partnerships means losing the ability to reinvest savings into essential services like mobile clinics, telehealth, and chronic disease management programs.
Keeping the Safety Net Strong
Policymakers must recognize that contract pharmacies are not just a convenience, they are a necessity. By ensuring that covered entities retain full access to contract pharmacy partnerships, we protect the ability of 340B hospitals and clinics to serve their communities effectively. For rural patients, these pharmacies often mean the difference between getting necessary medications or going without.
As discussions on 340B reform continue, we must amplify the voices of patients and providers who rely on this critical program. If you have a #340BPower Story to share about the impact of contract pharmacies, we want to hear it. Your story can help preserve access to care for the communities that need it most.
Sources
- Rural Health Research Gateway: https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/
- Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2718800
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