FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON — We strongly support legislation introduced today to stop pharmaceutical manufacturers’ harmful actions that limit access to affordable drugs dispensed by contract pharmacies in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
The drug industry’s illegal contract pharmacy restrictions compromise access to care for low-income urban and rural patients in the communities essential hospitals serve. The 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act, a companion to a bill Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) introduced in March, would protect the distribution of 340B discounted drugs through contract pharmacies and impose civil monetary penalties on manufacturers that violate these statutory requirements.
The 340B program is a key component of the patchwork federal support on which essential hospitals rely to meet their safety net mission, and this bill is critical to ensuring patient access to lifesaving drugs.
We thank Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) for introducing this legislation and urge all members of Congress to support the 340B PATIENTS Act and protect access to high-quality, equitable health care for all.
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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.