249: What is 340B, and why is it in the hot seat

The federal drug purchasing program known as 340B was created in 1992 to help select provider organizations stretch scarce resources to care for patients. More than three decades later, health systems of all shapes and sizes have come to rely on 340B for their financial sustainability. But the program has come under criticism. And in recent years, it’s been under more scrutiny, with manufacturers, state governments, and federal regulators proposing changes to how it operates.

In this episode, host Abby Burns invites Advisory Board experts Gina Lohr and Chloe Bakst to unpack the origin and controversy around 340B. They debate whether 340B has strayed from its intended purpose and break down the proposed changes to the program, how likely they are to go into effect, and what those changes would mean for health systems.

Plus, stay tuned to the end of the episode, where co-host Rae Woods discusses the recent healthcare-focused executive order and what it signals for the future of this administration’s drug policy.

Let us know what you think about today’s discussion, or share your ideas for future episode topics by leaving us a voice message or emailing us.

Links:

• 340B Drug Pricing Program
• 340B reimbursement cuts may be looming: What you need to know
• J&J's 340B rebate model is receiving pushback. Here's why.
• Congress is weighing spending cuts. How will they impact healthcare?
• [Relentless Health Value] EP448 (Part 1): 340B: Where It Started, Where It Is Now, and Who Is Really Benefiting From This Massive Program, With Shawn Gremminger
• [Relentless Health Value] EP448 (Part 2): 340B: Why Employers Should Probably Care About What’s Happening Here, With Shawn Gremminger

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A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.