Attacks on the 304B Drug Pricing Program have given Big Pharma and others cover to not pass along mandated savings to Community Health Northwest Florida. A recent TV ad by Building America’s Future bashed the program, saying the money was going to illegal migrants. Community Health has lost $5.5 million.
Those lost dollars and the Medicaid rollback have forced Community Health to cut back services and close some locations. CEO Chandra Smiley and Chief Pharmacy Officer Dr. Darrel Miller discuss the issues.
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Dig Deeper: WHAT IS 340B?
In 1992, bipartisan congressional action created the 340B Drug Pricing Program in an effort
to lower drug costs for providers who care for a disproportionate share of low-income patients. The revenue that comes from 340B is an important source of financial support for Community Health Northwest Florida and other health centers like ours throughout the country.
HOW IT WORKS:
1) Pharmaceutical manufacturers agree to give discounts on outpatient drugs to qualifying programs as a condition of participating in the large Medicaid and Medicare Plan B markets.
2) Medications are sold to 340B providers – like Community Health – at discounted prices.
3) Insurance companies pay for prescribed drugs at market rates – what they pay for them to all providers.
4) The 340B discounts help Community Health and similar health care clinics, children’s hospitals and rural hospitals provide services to the underserved – avoiding expensive ER visits.
The Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act, which directs the Environmental Protection Agency to formally enroll the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) into the National Estuary Program as an “Estuary of National Significance.” Matt Posner has the details.
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The full show: Sena Maddison, Chandra Smiley, Daryl Miller, Matt Posner and Brad Garrett. Listen to the podcast. Please like and subscribe.