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Statement on Rep. Matsui Introduction of SERV Communities Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals

WASHINGTON—We thank Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) for her leadership on behalf of vulnerable patients and essential hospitals with her introduction today of the Stretching Entity Resources for Vulnerable (SERV) Communities Act.

By ending the deeply damaging outpatient payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and strengthening accountability for drugmakers, Matsui’s bill would affirm Congress’ intent for the program and protect access to affordable drugs for millions of Americans.

Hospitals have demonstrated their commitment to transparency in the 340B program, including through nearly 900 program audits since 2012. Drugmakers have faced only a tiny fraction of that scrutiny: 11 federal audits since 2015, when manufacturer audits began. Drugmakers also have skirted accountability for overcharging program participants. We’re glad to see Matsui’s bill recognizes these disparities that put 340B covered entities and patients at a disadvantage.

The SERV Communities Act also would extend the 340B program’s benefits to providers on the front lines of the opioid crisis, making swift passage of this legislation especially important. We look forward to working with Matsui and her colleagues in Congress to put these vital protections into law.

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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 325 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org.

Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102

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