AHA opposes any further delay of 340B drug ceiling price rule

The AHA today urged the Health Resources and Services Administration to implement its final rule on 340B drug ceiling prices and civil monetary penalties for manufacturers without delay. “Delaying the implementation of the ceiling price and CMPs an additional nine months – from Oct. 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018 – is not justified given the exhaustive development process that has occurred,” wrote AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. AHA also reiterated its support for HRSA’s decision to codify its “penny pricing policy” to strengthen oversight of 340B ceiling prices and discourage manufacturers from raising prices faster than inflation. “While this policy has been in place for many years, drug manufacturers have not applied it consistently,” AHA said. “…In addition, we look forward to working with HRSA on further guidance on the 340B ceiling reporting system and how 340B hospitals and covered entities can access ceiling price information to establish instances of manufacturer overcharges.”