The 340 B Medications Assistance Program: Legislative Reauthorization and Patient Advocacy

The 340 B medications assistance program was established in 1992 – administered by HRSA – federal financial support for access to prescription medications (significant discounts) in qualified health care programs serving underserved populations. FQHCs are the most publicized provider. Qualifying hospitals account for 87% of medication purchases. Contract pharmacies do the medication distribution; dispensing fees are an issue. AAHD is a National Health Council (NHC) member. The NHC has been active in presenting the patient perspective as Congress considers reauthorizing the 340 B program. Available here: NHC August 27 policy overview webinar slides; NHC August 28 response to the Senate HELP Committee chair RFI; a side-by-side comparison of the pending legislation; andthe NHC shared arthritis and lupus therapies research and the 340 B program.