AHA comments on the SUSTAIN 340B Act

The AHA Oct. 27 submitted comments on the Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now and for the Future of 340B Act (SUSTAIN 340B Act).

The bill, introduced in August by Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., Tim Kaine, D-Va., John Boozman, R-Ark., and John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., would make significant updates to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Changes would include codifying the purpose of the 340B program; establishing a national, neutral third-party clearinghouse and durable patient definition; and preserving contract pharmacy access, among other actions.

“The SUSTAIN 340B Act represents a constructive bipartisan effort to establish clear and durable rules for all stakeholders in the program,” the AHA wrote. “We particularly appreciate your efforts to codify the program’s purpose; protect the upfront 340B discount by ending the 340B rebate model or any such future program; protect hospitals’ use of contract pharmacies; establish a neutral clearinghouse to facilitate data exchange and promote program integrity; prohibit discriminatory practices by health plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs); and provide additional resources to ensure oversight remains strictly with the federal government. These provisions would address many of the significant challenges facing 340B hospitals and provide needed stability for the program.

“However, as you continue to gather input to strengthen this bill, we respectfully ask you to reconsider several provisions so that they are workable for 340B hospitals of all sizes and do not unintentionally reduce patient access to medications or essential healthcare services.”