Episode 21: HRSA’s Proposed Rebate Guidance Rocks 340B World, 340B Coalition Conference Recap

In this episode, 340B Report Associate Editor and Senior Writers Shannon Young and Will Newton break down the latest in 340B news, including the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) highly anticipated release of proposed 340B rebate guidance—and the significant concerns it garnered from 340B stakeholders. They also reflect on the 340B Coalition’s recent summer conference and Capitol Hill lobbying efforts.

Key Topics Covered:

HRSA Releases 340B Rebate Model Guidance

Will discusses the details of HRSA’s proposed 340B rebate pilot program, including which drugs would qualify and when manufacturers would be able to deny claims. Though HRSA’s proposed 340B rebate pilot, which stakeholders will have 30 days to comment on, is narrower in scope than what had been proposed by various drug makers, it still would mark a dramatic shift to a program that has operated using an upfront discount since its inception more than 30 years ago. 

Stakeholders Raise Concerns on Proposed 340B Rebate Pilot Proposal

Shannon breaks down how key 340B stakeholders initially responded to HRSA’s rebate guidance, including concerns raised by both providers and the drug industry. She notes that hospital groups quickly expressed their opposition to efforts to implement a 340B rebate model, arguing it marks a major departure from how the program’s been run and could hurt their financial ability to provide services to low-income patients. Health center groups have not yet weighed in with 340B Report. The drug industry, meanwhile, contends that HRSA’s proposal doesn’t go far enough and is needed to address what they say are continued challenges in addressing duplicate discounts, Shannon adds. 

Key Takeaways from the 340B Coalition’s Summer Conference

Shannon recaps the 340B Coalition’s recent summer conference in National Harbor, Md., including keynote speeches from 340B Health leaders and HRSA’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs Director Chantelle Britton. Shannon notes that 340B reform and PBM reform efforts are likely to remain hot topics in Washington, D.C., despite the post-reconciliation budget lull on Capitol Hill. Will discusses covering the fourth annual “Defend 340B” march on Capitol Hill, which took place after the conference and was unaffiliated with the 340B Coalition. He also discusses competing lobbying efforts from two trade groups that took place that week.

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This week’s episode is sponsored by Pillr Health, a company known for its 340B solutions that emphasize transparency, integrity, and ease of use for covered entities. Visit Pillr Health to learn more.

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