340C - A Legislative Proposal to Protect the 340B Program for Health Centers
The Importance of the 340B Program
Advocates for Community Health (ACH) envisions a 340B Drug Pricing Program that works exactly as it was designed: to stretch scarce federal resources in support of access to care for underserved patients and their communities. This vital program must be fortified so it can remain a resource for community health centers for years to come.
This is why we created 340C.
Challenges Facing the 340B Program
Despite its importance, the 340B program is facing challenges from various sources, including state policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These challenges threaten the ability of health centers to leverage the program effectively.
Introducing 340C: A Solution for Community Health Centers
In response to these challenges, ACH has developed 340C, a bridge proposal that aims to support community health centers (CHCs) in continuing to utilize the 340B program to serve their patients and communities. 340C is designed to ensure that CHCs can benefit from the program for years to come.
340C is Different from Other Proposals
340C does not favor one type of covered entity over another; all are welcome to opt in to gain protections from actions that reduce 340B’s value. It is NOT full-scale reform; it is designed to exist alongside the original 340B program to provide options for covered entities while a larger reform effort is negotiated. It was designed by community health center officials to benefit health centers and other covered entities, while also answering the call for greater transparency in the 340B program.