Episode 4: Forecasting Election Impact on 340B, Plus Continued Battles Over Contract Pharmacies

Will Newton hosted this week’s episode, leading a discussion with Shannon Young and Bella Czajkowski. Ted Slafsky was away for this edition, but we look forward to welcoming him back next time. In this new episode, the editorial team explores emerging trends in drugmaker contract pharmacy restrictions, legal developments around 340B eligibility calculations and manufacturer audits of covered entities, and how the upcoming congressional and presidential elections could shift the program's future. 

Key Topics Covered

• Emerging Trends in Contract Pharmacy Restrictions
  Bella overviews recent drugmaker moves to restrict contract pharmacy access beyond hospitals, sharing a recent report of an Ohio health center that had to lay off staff due to revenue loss from such restrictions. Shannon and Will add insights into how these moves by manufacturers impact covered entities, increasingly affecting access for both hospitals and health centers.

• Key Developments in 340B Lawsuits
  The team updates listeners on pivotal court cases that could reshape the program. Shannon covers a ruling favoring Texas hospitals in a suit against HHS, centered on the Inpatient Prospective Payment Services rule, which affects certain hospitals’ 340B eligibility. Will adds an overview of lawsuits challenging the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) approvals for Johnson & Johnson’s audits of 340B-covered entities, examining allegations that HRSA may have acted unlawfully. The team discusses the broader implications these cases may have on 340B.

• Potential Impact of Upcoming Elections
  As election season heats up, the team examines how winners of the 2024 congressional and presidential races could influence 340B policy. They also overview how state-level races will play a role in legislative priorities over the coming term. 

What’s Next for Inside 340B Report

In future episodes, the team will provide an inside look at the issues impacting the stakeholders in the 340B drug discount program. Listen to fascinating conversations between 340B Report editors and reporters on what they are covering and why it is important. 

Stay tuned for more episodes biweekly! 🎧 Subscribe to Inside 340B Report on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on YouTube for video discussions.

Special thanks to 340B Report Ultra Diamond sponsors who made this episode possible including: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The Alinea Group, Avita Care Solutions, Maxor, RxParadigm, RxStrategies and Verity Solutions.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to bringing you valuable insights and discussions on the 340B program. For more information, visit 340BReport.com.

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