FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON — The decision by Johnson & Johnson to back down from its illegal plan for rebates in the 340B Drug Pricing Program shows how swift and firm federal action and vigorous advocacy by essential hospitals can stop harmful drug industry behaviors that would put our health care safety net at risk.
We thank the Health Resources and Services Administration for its forceful response to the J&J rebate scheme and its warnings, consistent with our recommendations to the agency, that the plan would violate federal law and threaten J&J’s ability to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.
We also appreciate the many members of Congress who signed a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra — a letter we actively supported — calling out J&J for its unlawful plan. Together we have protected this vital source of safety net support for essential hospitals and their disadvantaged patients.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals dedicated to equitable, high-quality care for all, including those who face social and financial barriers to care. Since 1981, America’s Essential Hospitals has advanced policies and programs that promote health, health care access, and equity. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, education, and leadership development. Communities depend on essential hospitals for care across the continuum, health care workforce training, research, public health and health equity, and other services. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead all of health care toward better outcomes and value.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
Author