Pharmacy Times August 30, 2024
An examination of the 340B Drug Pricing Program’s original intent, current challenges, and potential resolutions in today’s complex health care landscape.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program, established by Congress in 1992, has become a critical component of the US health care system.¹ This federal program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs at significantly discounted prices to eligible health care organizations, known as covered entities.² As the program enters its fourth decade, it faces numerous challenges that threaten its original mission and impact pharmacy practice.³
Original Intent of the 340B Statute
To understand these challenges, it’s crucial to first examine the original intent behind the 340B statute. Congress created the program with the primary goal of enabling covered entities to...