340B drug discount program Archives - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BLOG

Drug Discount Plan Remains Target for Possible Legislation

by Emily J. Cook | Jun 8, 2023 | Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

Members of Congress could call for more transparency about how hospitals use their federal drug discount program savings. According to this Bloomberg Law article, a study found that the Health Resources and Services Administration’s oversight of the 340B program could be improved. McDermott Partner Emily Jane Cook said there is interest in Congress overseeing aspects of hospitals, including the 340B program.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bill being introduced that imposes more explicit oversight requirements,” Cook said.

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Drug Discount Review Boards Proposed by Biden Health Agency

by Emily J. Cook | Jan 26, 2023 | Digital Health, Health and Welfare Plans

The Biden administration recently proposed revising the process behind an outlet for pharmaceutical companies to resolve price fights for those participating in the 340B drug discount program. According to this Bloomberg article, disputes between providers and pharmaceutical companies were in limbo as the industry waited for the Biden administration to replace an administrative dispute resolution (ADR) board. McDermott Partner Emily J. Cook said the proposed US Department of Health and Human Services rule ushers in “some significant changes” from the prior ADR process.

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Hospitals Push Back Against HHS Slashing of Reimbursement Rates

by Emily J. Cook | Nov 23, 2021 | Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

Hospitals are pushing back after the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cut Medicaid reimbursement rates to participating hospitals under the 340B drug discount program.

According to this article published in The Well News, 340B program supporters have filed a petition with the Supreme Court, arguing that HHS failed to collect sufficient data and that the department overstepped its authority with the cuts. McDermott Partner Emily Jane Cook said that the cuts will mean rural hospitals are “deprived of an important source of support for the services that they provide to their communities.”