340B… Let It Be!

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April 11, 2022 • 30 mins

340B… Let It Be!

Unfiltered perspectives from two inspiring AHF leaders on the 340B drug pricing program

GUEST BIOs:

Donna Tempesta is a senior manager at AHF who serves as both the Northern Bureau Chief and the VP of Finance for the pharmacy business line. LinkedIn

Scott Carruthers is the Chief Pharmacy Officer at AHF, overseeing the organization's entire national pharmacy program. LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[2:17] - How 340B Works

Complex legislation, important results

Why is legislation allowing service-based organizations to profit off prescriptions a good thing? Because it allows these entities to purchase pharmaceuticals at a substantial discount over what a typical pharmacy would have to pay the wholesaler for the same medication. Then they can bill insurance plans and other entities, organizations, or plans that cover the insurance or the prescription part of insurance for patients and make a profit. This means that they can serve more patients and provide more services, all without using taxpayer money or government funding of any kind.

[5:42] - Pharmacy Benefit Managers & 340B

Manipulating the system

PBMs have become enormous organizations that control the pharmacy market through their relationships with pharmacies and even providers— sometimes all owned by the same company. They see 340B as an opportunity to turn more significant profits, even though it was actually intended to help organizations like AHF and their patients.

[14:42] - The Best Way to Help 340B: Leave It Alone

A simple answer for a complex issue

340B has allowed countless entities to provide services to the underserved that otherwise never would have gotten them. By allowing it to morph into yet another means for corporations to enhance their margins and profits, we would be stripping it of its effectiveness for that purpose. That’s why AHF advocates so passionately for it to be left as-is. After all, it doesn’t cost taxpayers a thing.

[27:58] - Getting Involved with Advocacy

Advice for those inside and outside AHF

Want to get started with advocacy? Scott and Donna’s advice is simple— just do it. Start somewhere— anywhere. Start with what you’re most passionate about, where there’s the greatest need, or just with what’s available to you. Do what you can, then do a little more, and eventually, you’ll see your efforts snowball into something truly meaningful.

RESOURCES: