Protecting Lifelines for Vulnerable Patients: Senate Bill Shields 340B Program from Big Pharma's Attentions

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) recently introduced the bicameral 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act to safeguard the 340B drug pricing program. This legislation aims to protect patients, especially those in lower-income and rural communities, who rely on the program for affordable medical care. Senator Welch led the bill in 2024, building on the efforts of U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), who has led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 340B program helps rural and vulnerable patients access affordable medical care by purchasing outpatient prescription drugs at reduced prices from manufacturers at no cost to taxpayers.
  • The program has been a lifeline for over 30 years, supporting safety-net providers like community hospitals, critical access hospitals, and community health centers.
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers began restricting 340B access during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the number of pharmacies providers could use, disproportionately impacting rural states with pharmacy declines.
  • The 340B PATIENTS Act intends to secure access to 340B funding, strengthen the program, and impose civil monetary penalties on manufacturers that violate statutory requirements.
  • The bill aims to prevent Big Pharma from undercutting the 340B mission by reducing patient access to lifesaving services and setting clear ground rules to protect the program.
  • Senator Welch led the legislation in 2024 and emphasizes the importance of protecting programs like 340B, which help address affordability and access crises in rural America.
  • Congresswoman Matsui has reintroduced her legislation to protect the 340B program and preserve and strengthen lifelines keeping providers afloat after Republicans cut almost $1 trillion from the health care safety net.

Statistics:

  • For over 30 years, the 340B program has helped safety-net providers purchase outpatient prescription drugs at reduced prices from manufacturers at no cost to taxpayers.
  • The program has expanded critical services such as mental health care, substance-use disorder treatments, and emergency services for vulnerable patients.
  • Nearly $1 trillion was cut from the health care safety net by Republicans, emphasizing the importance of preserving and strengthening remaining lifelines like the 340B program.
  • Big Pharma has been attempting to gut the 340B program for years, facing resistance from lawmakers and patient advocates who highlight its critical role in ensuring access to affordable medical care.

Sources:

  • Welch Leads Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Health Care Providers Serving America's Most Vulnerable, Rural, and Low-Income Patients
  • 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act
  • Advocates for Community Health
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • America's Essential Hospitals (AEH)
  • American Hospital Association (AHA)
  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
  • Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
  • Bi-State Primary Care Association
  • Catholic Health Association of the United States
  • Children's Hospital Association (CHA)
  • National Rural Health Association (NRHA)
  • AIDS United
  • 340B Hallway
  • 340B Matters
  • The Craneware Group
  • University of California Health
  • California Hospital Association