In accordance with the presidential regulatory freeze, HHS proposes to further delay until July 20 a final rule requiring federally qualified health centers to charge certain low-income patients no more than the 340B Drug Pricing Program price for insulin and injectable epinephrine. 

The rule, currently on hold due to a regulatory freeze, requires federally qualified health centers to pass 340B Drug Pricing Program discounts on to certain low-income patients as a condition of receiving federal grant funding; it applies to insulin and injectable epinephrine.

The executive orders aim to end retrospective rebates to Medicare Part D pharmacy benefit managers; allow patients of federally qualified health centers to purchase certain drugs at 340B discounted prices; and tie Medicare Part B payment to international drug prices, among other provisions.

The letter was signed by America's Essential Hospital and 20 other national organizations.

HHS announced up to $300 million for community health centers through the 2014 expanded services supplemental funding opportunity. Proposals by eligible health centers are due July 1.

CMS released the final rule with comment period regarding the new Medicare FQHC prospective payment system. The payment system could increase Medicare payments to FQHCs by as much as 32 percent.