Episode 12: Contract Pharmacy Bills Gain Momentum, Rebate Battles Rage On

In this episode of Inside 340B Report, Ted Slafsky, Will Newton and Bella Czajkowski explore the latest developments in the 340B world at both the state and federal levels. They cover the progress of contract pharmacy access bills across the country—including a breaking news development—plus dark money efforts to oppose the legislation. They also break down key updates in drugmaker rebate lawsuits and provide an update on federal budget talks including major cuts expected for the Medicaid program and where we may be headed on the 340B program.

Key Topics Covered:

Contract Pharmacy Bills Progress, Despite Resistance                                                                           Will summarizes recent key votes on state contract pharmacy access bills and provider reporting legislation. He also breaks the news that South Dakota became the first state in 2025 to enact contract pharmacy protections after hearing from the governor’s office mid-recording. Meanwhile, Bella highlights the tactics of dark money efforts to oppose contract pharmacy legislation through misleading ads, noting that many of the efforts appear to be backfiring.

Drugmaker Rebate Litigation Heats Up                                                                                                        The team discusses five drugmakers’ ongoing legal efforts to implement 340B rebate models without approval from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Bella and Will explain the significance of the recent decision allowing the hospital advocacy group 340B Health and two of its member hospitals to intervene in four of those cases, all while other major provider advocacy groups have filed amicus briefs opposing the rebate models.

Budget Talks and the Looming Federal Shutdown                                                                                     With crucial budget negotiations unfolding in Congress, Ted breaks down the potential impact of proposed healthcare funding cuts totaling $880 billion over the next decade. These cuts could have significant effects on Medicaid, directly affecting 340B providers and the patients they serve. Ted notes that 340B stakeholders should keep a close eye on Capitol Hill as budget battles continue, especially given the possibility of a government shutdown.  He also talks about the leaders of key committees with jurisdiction over the 340B program and what that could mean for 340B stakeholders.

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