After testimony last week at a Senate hearing that suggested hospital misuse of the 340B Drug Pricing Program contributes to medical debt, America’s Essential Hospitals stepped up its defense of this vital safety net support in meetings with lawmakers.
During the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing on medical debt, some lawmakers raised concerns about hospitals that qualify for the 340B program and called for increased transparency and a stronger qualification process to ensure 340B savings benefit patients.
Members and witnesses also expressed concern about the influence of for-profit organizations in health care, suggesting, for example, that insurance companies prioritize profit over patient care and fail to provide necessary coverage.
Additional Hearing Activity
The House Committee on Appropriations approved the fiscal year 2025 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spending plan along party lines last week. It includes a partisan 7 percent cut for HHS.
Committee Activity This Week
Both the Senate and House are on recess this week. The Republican National Convention will be held this week, July 15 to 18; the Democratic National Convention will be held in August.
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