The House of Representatives has approved bipartisan language “to highlight the need to protect the integrity of the 340B program by halting pharmaceutical manufacturers’ unlawful actions that have resulted in overcharges to 340B covered entities.”
The appropriations bill amendment, authored by Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and David McKinley (R-W.V.), pertains to drug companies that have stopped offering required discounts to safety-net hospitals, health centers, and clinics on drugs dispensed at community-based pharmacies.
“My 340B-related amendment sends a message to big pharmaceutical companies: Stop hiking drug prices on consumers and discriminating against our 340B providers and pharmacies,” Spanberger said in a House floor speech.
“The actions of several drug companies to deny 340B discounts for drugs dispensed at community pharmacies are harming safety-net providers and the patients they serve while increasing drugmakers’ profits,” 340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni said in a statement.
A modest proposal from a former FDA commissioner: Add antidepressants to the nation’s water supply
Warning: This is not a public health recommendation. Do not implement.