New Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regulations could limit certain hospitals from participating in the 340B drug discount program.
New Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regulations could limit certain hospitals from participating in the 340B drug discount program. If adopted, hospitals that treat disproportionally poor or uninsured patient populations are likely to suffer most.
“Of the issues to be addressed in the proposed regulation that is pending final review, the definition of who qualifies as a covered entity’s ‘patient’ (and thus is eligible for 340B-discounted drugs) is probably the most significant,” said Billy Wynne, JD, a partner at the Washington policy and lobbying firm Thorn Run Partners. “That draft guidance also carved out certain encounters as not constituting a close enough relationship between patient and provider to qualify for 340B discounts, such as certain case management services.”
The 340B program was designed to help safety-net hospitals cover the costs of treating large percentages of low-income individuals. However, pharmaceutical companies argue that the influx of health systems participating in the program have not resulted in improved care despite the cost savings. 340B offers hospitals and clinics up to 50% off certain outpatient medications.
Safety-net hospitals also recently received a 30% pay boost from CMS. The change in reimbursement was due to a mandate under the Affordable Care Act.
“The new payment system helps increase the ability and capacity of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to provide essential and affordable services for even more patients who need care,” said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “These FQHCs are essential to countless patients in local communities who depend on them for getting their primary and preventive care.”
Around the Web
Expected 340B Drug Discount Rule May Tighten Program [Modern Healthcare]
The Coming Storm Over The 340B Rx Drug Discount Program [Health Affairs]
Medicare Finalizes 30% Pay Raise For Safety Net Clinics [Law360]
Real-World Study Reveals Key Insights into DLBCL Treatment Patterns, Outcomes
April 18th 2024A recent study offers valuable insights into the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients across different lines of therapy, providing a look into the landscape of DLBCL management.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Gene, Light Therapy Combo Shows Promise Against Prostate Cancer Cells in Proof-of-Concept Study
April 18th 2024In their preclinical model, the researchers found efficacy both in vitro and in vivo by using CRISPR-Cas9 to mimic porphyria and combining the technology with light therapy.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen
Collecting SDOH Data Can Assess Risk of Medical Nonadherence, Improve HEI and Star Ratings
April 18th 2024At the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) 2024 annual meeting, a panel of presenters explored changes coming to Medicare that incorporate social determinants of health (SDOH) data to improve patient and health system outcomes.
Read More