/ en Fri, 02 May 2025 16:12:03 -0500 Thu, 01 May 25 15:40:12 -0500 /news/headline/2025-05-01-aha-shares-concerns-data-exchange-provision-under-drug-price-negotiation-program <p>The AHA May 1 expressed <a href="/lettercomment/2025-05-01-aha-comments-medicare-transaction-facilitator-under-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program" target="_blank">concerns</a> (LINK) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about the payment process established under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, explaining ways it undermines the purpose of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The Medicare Transaction Facilitator is intended to support data and payment exchanges among dispensing entities, plan sponsors and drug companies to implement drug discounts. However, CMS will only require dispensing entities, and not drug manufacturers, to participate in the payment module overseen by the MTF. This would allow drug manufacturers to establish their own payment systems outside of the MTF, making agency oversight more challenging. Additionally, CMS would let drug manufacturers make required discounted prices available retrospectively, which could jeopardize patient access to critical medications.</p><p>The AHA said the retrospective process established by the prior administration to effectuate the maximum fair price for selected drugs undermines congressional intent and frustrates the agency鈥檚 stated goals of lowering drug prices for patients and providers. The process is 鈥渃omplex, overly burdensome and operationally unworkable, particularly with respect to the critical 340B Drug Pricing Program,鈥� AHA wrote. 鈥淏y allowing drug manufacturers to deny upfront access to the MFP or the 340B price and force dispensing entities to participate in a retrospective process designed by the manufacturers themselves, this process unfairly disadvantages patients and the providers who serve them, in favor of drug manufacturers whose pricing practices necessitated legislative intervention in the first place.鈥�</p><p>The AHA called for CMS to finalize a process ensuring efficient and prospective access to the MFP and 340B price for all dispensing entities furnishing selected drugs to eligible patients, as well as strict accountability measures to ensure drug manufacturer compliance with applicable laws. The AHA also urged CMS to require drug company participation in the MTF payment module and to disallow drug companies from unilaterally changing alternative payment arrangements after approval by CMS.</p> Thu, 01 May 2025 15:40:12 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Congressional committees have begun marking up their portions of a reconciliation bill to enact key pieces of President Trump鈥檚 agenda. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over Medicaid and other health care programs, may mark up its part of the bill as soon as the week of May 5. The E&C Committee has been instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $880 billion, so significant Medicaid cuts are being considered, although no specifics have been released yet. In addition, the House Ways and Means Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over Medicare and taxes, is expected to mark up its part of the bill in mid-May. <br><br>The AHA April 29 sent a letter to <a href="/lettercomment/2025-04-29-aha-letter-congressional-leadership-potential-medicaid-eptc-policy-changes" target="_blank">House and Senate leaders</a> expressing support for the Medicaid program and urging Congress to refrain from considering disruptive policy changes to Medicaid and other health care coverage that could impact access to health care for tens of millions of Americans.  <br><br><strong>Please contact your lawmakers today and urge them to reject harmful funding cuts to Medicaid and other health care programs. Explain how cuts to Medicaid and other programs would reduce access to care and services for their constituents. The following AHA resources can assist your advocacy efforts.  </strong><br> </p><h2 class="text-align-center"><a href="/2020-10-07-get-involved" target="_blank"><span><u>TAKE ACTION NOW</u></span></a></h2><h3>MEDICAID RESOURCES  </h3><p><strong>Explain how vital Medicaid is to your communities</strong>. The AHA has developed several resources that hospitals and health systems can use:   </p><ul><li><strong>Digital Toolkit.</strong> Use this toolkit to engage stakeholders, such as your hospital or health system teams and community leaders, in joining the fight to protect Medicaid. The <a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/medicaid" target="_blank">toolkit</a> includes a Medicaid Made Simple video, sample social media messages, sample stakeholder messages and newsletter copy.</li><li><strong>Advocacy Message</strong>. Take action by sending your member of Congress a message detailing the impact of Medicaid cuts in your community. <a href="https://www.votervoice.net/AHA/Campaigns/125909/Respond" target="_blank" title="Advocacy Message Link">Share the link</a> with your stakeholders to encourage broad action</li><li><strong>Protect Access to Care</strong>. Use this <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-04-14-protect-access-care-reject-cuts-medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-working-families" target="_blank">infographic</a> to demonstrate the national hospital impact of potential Medicaid cuts and the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) expiring.</li><li><strong>What鈥檚 at Stake</strong>. Use this <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-04-14-whats-stake-medicaid-covers-people-you-know" target="_blank">fact sheet</a> to show the makeup of Medicaid coverage across the country and what鈥檚 at stake if Congress cuts the program. Use these <a href="/issue-brief/2025-05-01-state-infographics-whats-stake-medicaid-covers-people-you-know" target="_blank">new infographics</a> to show what's at stake for each state. </li><li><strong>Coalition to Strengthen America鈥檚 Health Care Resources</strong>. The <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank">Coalition to Strengthen America鈥檚 Healthcare</a>, of which the AHA is a founding member, has a number of digital resources and tools that can assist your advocacy efforts. </li></ul><p>In addition, the following fact sheets can help explain how Medicaid ensures hospitals and health systems can care for their communities:</p><ul><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid" target="_blank">General Fact Sheet on Medicaid</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid-provider-taxes" target="_blank">Fact Sheet on Medicaid Provider Taxes</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid-hospital-payment-basics" target="_blank">Fact Sheet on Medicaid Hospital Payment Basics</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-capita-caps-medicaid-program" target="_blank">Medicaid Per Capita Caps</a> </li></ul><h3>ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON EPTCs, SITE-NEUTRAL AND 340B</h3><ul><li><strong>Explain why Congress should </strong><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-enhanced-premium-tax-credits" target="_blank"><strong>extend the EPTCs</strong></a> before they expire at the end of the year, as they have increased access to health care coverage and high-quality care for patients and communities served by hospitals, health systems and other providers.</li><li><strong>Tell your lawmakers why they should </strong><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2023-09-11-advocacy-issue-site-neutral-payment-proposals" target="_blank"><strong>reject site-neutral policies</strong></a>, as they would reduce patient access to vital health care services, particularly in rural and other medically underserved communities.</li><li><strong>Ask your lawmakers to </strong><a href="/340b-drug-savings-program" target="_blank"><strong>preserve the 340B program</strong></a> to ensure the program continues to help eligible hospitals stretch limited resources and provide more comprehensive services to more patients. </li></ul><h3>FURTHER QUESTIONS </h3><p>Visit the <a href="/advocacy/action-center" target="_blank">AHA Action Center</a> for more resources on these issues and other priorities important to hospitals and health systems. If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.<br> </p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/act-now-urge-your-members-of-congress-to-protect-medicaid-and-other-crucial-programs-alert-4-30-2025.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Action Alert ACT NOW: Urge Your Members of Congress to Protect Medicaid and Other Crucial Programs PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/cover-act-now-urge-your-members-of-congress-to-protect-medicaid-and-other-crucial-programs-alert-4-30-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Action Alert ACT NOW: Urge Your Members of Congress to Protect Medicaid and Other Crucial Programs." width="NaN" height="NaN"></a></p></div></div></div> Thu, 01 May 2025 08:00:00 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program <p><strong>Cassidy releases report calling for reforms to 340B program</strong></p><p>Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D., R-La., today released a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGaCFismbHKeDhurue9tn-CxwS0pXoPRhuPCuCnZR-6siYu9ybDt0gNrquqtH4yvPy9K06PwL8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd4cddcf432dc4242c02008dd836a2d50%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638811214273726918%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pBSNn5sZw20zEgWM%2BdeGxPIdSsORfNPVAKoDNCdeqWg%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">report</a> detailing findings from an investigation into how covered entities use and generate revenue from the 340B Drug Pricing Program. As part of his investigation, Cassidy requested information from hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, contract pharmacies and drug manufacturers.</p><p>Cassidy <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGaCFismbHz0UQR_iq24XlEm9cM9J1SkgnblgBx7shiVd4ENFti06haCSXPg0ry4ccE3Q6pi6Y%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cd4cddcf432dc4242c02008dd836a2d50%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638811214273739178%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=abOupc5B9O9SEamJeBN9ktDp2v7LlIwklc21cqDzHmI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">said</a> the 鈥渋nvestigation underscores that there are transparency and oversight concerns that prevent 340B discounts from translating to better access or lower costs for patients,鈥� and the report outlines potential reforms needed to improve the program to better serve patients.</p><p>In a statement shared with media, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said, 鈥淭he AHA appreciates Senator Cassidy鈥檚 leadership on 340B issues. As his report correctly observes, the 340B program was created to help hospitals reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services. Even this investigation 鈥� which the report recognizes was 鈥榣imited in scope鈥� given the variety of 340B hospitals across the country 鈥� demonstrates that hospitals use 340B savings to provide financial assistance to low-income patients and to maintain programs that enhance patient services and access to care. In short, 340B is vital in advancing health in communities across the country.</p><p>鈥淲e look forward to reviewing the report in greater detail, discussing it with our 340B members, and working with Senator Cassidy and others to ensure that the 340B program continues to benefit patients and communities, especially those in rural and other medically underserved areas.鈥�</p> Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:34:35 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program /news/headline/2025-04-24-cassidy-releases-report-calling-reforms-340b-program <p>Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D., R-La., today released a <a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/final_340b_majority_staff_reportpdf.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> detailing findings from an investigation into how covered entities use and generate revenue from the 340B Drug Pricing Program. As part of his investigation, Cassidy requested information from hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, contract pharmacies and drug manufacturers.  </p><p>Cassidy <a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/rep/newsroom/press/chair-cassidy-releases-report-on-340b-reform-calls-for-congressional-action" target="_blank">said</a> the 鈥渋nvestigation underscores that there are transparency and oversight concerns that prevent 340B discounts from translating to better access or lower costs for patients,鈥� and the report outlines potential reforms needed to improve the program to better serve patients.   </p><p>In a statement shared with media, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said, 鈥淭he AHA appreciates Senator Cassidy鈥檚 leadership on 340B issues. As his report correctly observes, the 340B program was created to help hospitals reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services. Even this investigation 鈥� which the report recognizes was 鈥榣imited in scope鈥� given the variety of 340B hospitals across the country 鈥� demonstrates that hospitals use 340B savings to provide financial assistance to low-income patients and to maintain programs that enhance patient services and access to care. In short, 340B is vital in advancing health in communities across the country.  </p><p>鈥淲e look forward to reviewing the report in greater detail, discussing it with our 340B members, and working with Senator Cassidy and others to ensure that the 340B program continues to benefit patients and communities, especially those in rural and other medically underserved areas.鈥�</p> Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:24:44 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program /press-releases/2025-04-24-aha-statement-340b-report-senator-cassidy <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Rick Pollack</strong><br><strong>President and CEO</strong><br><strong>黑料正能量 Association</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>April 24, 2025</strong></p><p>The AHA appreciates Senator Cassidy鈥檚 leadership on 340B issues. As his report correctly observes, the 340B Program was created to help hospitals reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services. Even this investigation 鈥� which the report recognizes was 鈥渓imited in scope鈥� given the variety of 340B hospitals across the country 鈥� demonstrates that hospitals use 340B savings to provide financial assistance to low-income patients and to maintain programs that enhance patient services and access to care. In short, 340B is vital in advancing health in communities across the country.</p><p>We look forward to reviewing the report in greater detail, discussing it with our 340B members, and working with Senator Cassidy and others to ensure that the 340B program continues to benefit patients and communities, especially those in rural and other medically underserved areas.</p><p class="text-align-center"> </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p> Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:37:00 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program <p><strong>AHA files briefs in defense of Louisiana鈥檚 340B contract pharmacy law</strong></p><p>The AHA April 18 filed friend-of-the-court briefs in three cases in support of Louisiana鈥檚 340B contract pharmacy law that prohibits drug companies from denying hospitals the same 340B discounts for drugs dispensed at community pharmacies that would be provided via in-house pharmacies. The briefs, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, challenge claims by <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtKxD09RoAtwAMpqNG1pCFHG3pJ2UtUezxOoZ-MVqM_9dqkH6Q87aXdeBB2zsNYlBgg5w%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610111890%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QwthHR0WHynLiYOM97aJt%2Bgg0CL%2BE%2F9Tfde8Ud3N3iY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">PhRMA</a>, <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtK4M-KFAZyXRznS0S02M7Va3mf01s7E2o0YofRE1gzxWjx0aR9gMzF-gAHZbexRWxx6M%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610124721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ViYrKgUYm%2Fh6D9YSgp%2BoKy%2F6d0X%2BvjUYPPqoTG%2BsLdI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">AbbVie</a> and <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtK2cJ6VW31tqF_wDZ4wMocTDfSKdK_CdQoxVbOgzy4jgarFsuQlwndFwc4tutsPXWwew%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610139074%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7%2FJAN07nmPuOBPEv1oVEm6ZcjEfb22Qaj2aEfgisLNA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">AstraZeneca</a> that the federal law that created the 340B program preempts the state law.</p><p>The filings are the latest AHA has made in similar cases in multiple states. The AHA also filed friend-of-the-court briefs regarding the Louisiana cases in <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtK4oAL2u-RBmaEUBo_WVlmRGkvrERtTDJ0NGtr-LXZnTK4s3Vq47h6Vw9dI_FPP-Qdkc%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610152946%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MTPOzu0rdmP%2B8pD9ngnqL1Be%2F4V%2F93n4zmwY3lEIQGk%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">February 2024</a> and <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtKzhK0ez1yhiQjYMy4APqaPe1xbN_pDBtFexkUlSIc-nJiXbo28DPsXsEYzFVRGngi7A%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610165596%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DRzokbMcutA4e3RFefeIcu6mm8%2FdaWJVGJo2RR%2FgLns%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">December 2023</a>.</p><p>The Louisiana Hospital Association, Rural Hospital Coalition, 340B Health and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists joined AHA in each of the latest filings.</p><p><strong>New AHA case study from Johnson County Hospital on benefits of the 340B program</strong></p><p>AHA recently published a new <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtK134D-KbCkNs78se66L93ctPwr6gVW-kiaf0jr9AwQwWgzoIQEAkj2N51KMjBnOMgx4%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610178158%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p6fAEOCS0cbI52HcVS5Sosf4MCfUZ0ZBq4p4BVBBpwU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">case study</a> that demonstrates the critical support the 340B program provides to patients and communities at Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh, Neb.</p><p>鈥淔or us, our focus is always on the patient 鈥� we must stretch the dollars to serve the community. Without the 340B benefit, a lot of these vital services would not be possible,鈥� said Olivia Little, 340B director at Johnson County Hospital.</p><p>Review the full list of 340B hospital case studies <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZ_gZtKwkIDLwscdrPaCuv5VUo_jChiDCNtQULVi2dmdlCGb-SJownmRA5HuGLV9CCTRAoUA4%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C44c792eafdbf4a44a0c908dd81d70081%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638809482610191244%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p%2FzOHzEA0qRRdYs7wx8lYnf7VVm7NrVKVTHujWIKpOI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:14:35 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program /case-studies/2025-04-22-johnson-county-hospital-nebraska <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><figure><p><span><strong>The Value of the 340B Program Case Study</strong></span></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Johnson-county-hospital-image_0.png" data-entity-uuid="f1108e1e-cc58-47ff-a484-fe62cf31eeb8" data-entity-type="file" alt="Johnson County Hospital Images" width="1487" height="960" class="align-right"></figure><p> </p><h2><span>Who is Johnson County Hospital?</span></h2><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/jch-circle-image.png" data-entity-uuid="1a0c1c0d-7051-4f24-892c-41f71679a138" data-entity-type="file" alt="Johnson County Circle Logo" width="195" height="147" class="align-left">Opened in 1958 as a county-owned hospital, Johnson County Hospital is an 18-bed critical access hospital based in Tecumseh, Neb., a rural community of 1,800 located in the Southeastern part of the state. It also operates rural health clinics in Tecumseh and neighboring Gage County. Recognizing the broader community鈥檚 unique needs 鈥� and looking for ways to amplify the hospital鈥檚 impact 鈥� hospital leaders made the decision to participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program in 2012. </p><p>Since then, the 340B program has allowed Johnson County Hospital to purchase certain drugs from pharmaceutical companies at a discount and apply the savings to support community programs that it otherwise would not have the resources to implement. With a commitment and dedication to improving health care access and outcomes among some of Nebraska鈥檚 most rural residents, Johnson County Hospital is a textbook example of how the 340B program is working as Congress intended.</p><h2><span>Who Does Johnson County Hospital Treat?</span></h2><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/population-map.png" data-entity-uuid="8f80a304-8b96-47d2-9ea3-a7473bf5924b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Blue Population Served Grid Image" width="250" height="131" class="align-left">Johnson County Hospital is a lifeline for many Nebraskans, including those living in rural areas. The U.S. Census Bureau <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/johnsoncountynebraska/PST045224" target="_blank" title="Census Bureau Stats for Johnson County">estimates</a> the population of Johnson County was 5,200 in 2020, with a population density of just 14.1 per square mile 鈥� significantly less than the <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045224" target="_blank" title="Census Bureau Table">nationwide average</a> of 93.8. While this creates a strong sense of community, it also means that care options are far less accessible than in urban areas. Statewide, over two-thirds of Nebraska counties are considered 鈥�<a href="https://www.nebraskahospitals.org/file_download/inline/59fe69a8-0508-4580-b2fc-a8fe8c09d0d8" target="_blank" title="Report: Nebraska Nursing Workforce Shortage">medically underserved</a>.鈥� Without Johnson County Hospital, patients would be forced to travel anywhere between 45 miles and more than 100 miles away to receive care at the nearest advanced-care hospital.</p><p class="text-align-center"><em>鈥淭he 340B program allows us to do even more </em><br><em>for the community without tax dollars being used.鈥�</em><br><span><strong>Olivia Little</strong></span><br>340B Director at Johnson County Hospital</p><h2><span>What鈥檚 the Value of the 340B Program for Johnson County Hospital鈥檚 Community?</span></h2><p>To strengthen the community鈥檚 access to care close to home, Johnson County Hospital has created many important programs with the support of 340B savings. Johnson County Hospital is proud to participate in the 340B program and openly and regularly reports on the benefits made possible through the program. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, Johnson County Hospital provided $831,000 in 340B benefits, including:</p><p><span><strong>Robust Health Services in the Community</strong></span> 鈥� Home health is critical to meeting patients where they are, providing care in a safe, familiar environment, and helping patients manage chronic conditions to prevent them from getting worse and requiring more acute care. Johnson County Hospital鈥檚 home health department regularly provides free blood pressure checks at local restaurants and coffee shops. It also goes out into the community to provide low-cost toenail care.</p><p><span><strong>Enhanced Transportation Options for Patients</strong></span> 鈥� Using 340B savings, hospital leaders recently launched a new interfacility ambulance service to benefit Johnson County Hospital and the surrounding hospitals throughout Southeast Nebraska. Instead of waiting several hours for an ambulance transfer service, patients can now use the in-house ambulance service option. To further ease transportation challenges, Johnson County Hospital used 340B savings to purchase a van that transports patients to and from medical appointments when the local on-demand, publicly funded bus is not running.</p><p><span><strong>Breast Health</strong></span> 鈥� Recognizing the high proportion of local women with dense breast tissue, Johnson County Hospital invested in a 3D mammography upgrade through savings from the 340B program. Before this upgrade, one-third of women had to be referred to 3D imaging over an hour away, which can be a barrier for some and increase costs.</p><p class="text-align-center"><em>鈥淔or us, our focus is always on the patient </em><br><em>鈥� we must stretch the dollars to serve the</em><br><em> community. Without the 340B benefit, a lot of </em><br><em>these vital services would not be possible.鈥� </em><br><span><strong>Olivia Little </strong></span><br>340B Director at Johnson County Hospital</p><h2><span>340B Hospitals Need Support</span></h2><p>Since it was created in 1992, the 340B Drug Pricing Program has helped improve health care access for millions of Americans without using any taxpayer dollars 鈥� just as Congress intended. However, misguided policy proposals and continued unlawful restrictions by pharmaceutical manufacturers are threatening the future and accessibility of the 340B program.</p><p>For example, a growing number of drug companies are implementing restrictions on contract pharmacies and increasing administrative requirements, which make it harder for hospitals like Johnson County Hospital to participate in the 340B program. It also makes it more difficult for independent rural retail pharmacies to keep their doors open, which could force members of the local community to travel many miles to get the medicines they need.</p><p>From coast to coast, Americans need the federal government to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program so that patients can maintain access to high-quality, affordable care. Leaders in Washington must act to protect the program for the patients and communities it was established to help.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><div class="external-link spacer"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/the-value-of-the-340b-program-johnson-county-hospital-member-story-case-study-nebraska.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Value of the 340B Program: Johnson County Hospital Member Story Case Study PDF.">Download the Case Study PDF</a></div><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/the-value-of-the-340b-program-johnson-county-hospital-member-story-case-study-nebraska.pdf "><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-the-value-of-the-340b-program-johnson-county-hospital-member-story-case-study-nebraska.png" data-entity-uuid="c5b3cca0-2c2f-4638-85d5-56e7266d4a0a" data-entity-type="file" alt="The Value of the 340B Program: Johnson County Hospital Member Story Case Study" width="682" height="882"></a><p><br> </p><p><strong><div class="views-element-container"> <section class="top-level-view js-view-dom-id-5a0a23abbe36450d3846b02c1bab2b2a7408bc2b0dae863c5d25986ec48870a5 resource-block"> <h2 id="340bcasestudies">The Value of the 340B Program: Case Studies</h2> <div class="resource-wrapper"> <div class="resource-view"> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-access-level"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="meta custom-lock-position"> <div class="views-field-access-level access-type-public" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="Members only"><a href="/taxonomy/term/278" hreflang="en">Public</a></div> </div></div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/case-studies/2025-04-22-johnson-county-hospital-nebraska" hreflang="en">Johnson County Hospital | Nebraska </a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-04-22T09:03:06-05:00">Apr 22, 2025</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-access-level"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="meta custom-lock-position"> <div class="views-field-access-level access-type-public" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="Members only"><a href="/taxonomy/term/278" hreflang="en">Public</a></div> </div></div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/case-studies/2025-03-11-340b-benefits-patients-and-communities-examples-frontlines" hreflang="en">340B Benefits Patients and Communities: Examples from the Frontlines</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-03-11T08:11:21-05:00">Mar 11, 2025</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-access-level"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="meta custom-lock-position"> <div class="views-field-access-level access-type-public" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="Members only"><a href="/taxonomy/term/278" hreflang="en">Public</a></div> </div></div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/case-studies/2024-12-23-our-lady-lake-health-louisiana" hreflang="en">Our Lady of the Lake Health | Louisiana</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-12-23T09:15:03-06:00">Dec 23, 2024</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-access-level"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="meta custom-lock-position"> <div class="views-field-access-level access-type-public" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="Members only"><a href="/taxonomy/term/278" hreflang="en">Public</a></div> </div></div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/case-studies/2024-12-10-uk-st-claire-kentucky" hreflang="en">UK St. Claire | Kentucky</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-12-10T14:58:22-06:00">Dec 10, 2024</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-access-level"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="meta custom-lock-position"> <div class="views-field-access-level access-type-public" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="Members only"><a href="/taxonomy/term/278" hreflang="en">Public</a></div> </div></div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/case-studies/2024-09-19-university-louisville-health-kentucky" hreflang="en">University of Louisville Health | Kentucky</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-09-19T12:55:25-05:00">Sep 19, 2024</time> </span> </div></div> </div> </div> <div class="more-link"><a href="/340b-case-studies">More 340B Case Studies</a></div> </section> </div> </strong></p></div></div></div> h2 { color: #9d2235; } Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:03:06 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program /amicus-brief/2025-04-21-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-abbvie-defense-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law <img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-abbvie-in-defense-of-Louisianas-340B-contract-pharmacy-law-4-18-2025.png" data-entity-uuid="a1af5567-3b4f-40ab-b42c-71f1364efed1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover AbbVie Amicus Brief" width="503" height="651"><p>View the detailed report below.</p><p> </p> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:52:25 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program /news/headline/2025-04-21-aha-files-briefs-defense-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law <p>The AHA April 18 filed friend-of-the-court briefs in three cases in support of Louisiana's 340B contract pharmacy law that prohibits drug companies from denying hospitals the same 340B discounts for drugs dispensed at community pharmacies that would be provided via in-house pharmacies. The briefs, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, challenge claims by <a href="/amicus-brief/2025-04-21-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-phrma-defense-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law">PhRMA</a>, <a href="/amicus-brief/2025-04-21-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-abbvie-defense-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law">AbbVie</a> and <a href="/amicus-brief/2025-04-21-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-astrazeneca-defense-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law">AstraZeneca</a> that the federal law that created the 340B program preempts the state law.</p><p>The filings are the latest AHA has made in similar cases in multiple states. The AHA also filed friend-of-the-court briefs regarding the Louisiana cases in <a href="/amicus-brief/2024-02-29-aha-amicus-brief-defending-louisiana-340b-contract-pharmacy-law-abbvie-inc-et-al-v-louisiana-attorney">February 2024</a> and <a href="/amicus-brief/2023-12-27-amicus-brief-louisiana-hospital-association-rural-hospital-coalition-inc-aha-340b-health-support">December 2023</a>.</p><p>The Louisiana Hospital Association, Rural Hospital Coalition, 340B Health and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists joined AHA in each of the latest filings.</p> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:09:28 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program /amicus-brief/2025-04-21-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-phrma-defense-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law <img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-aha-others-file-amicus-brief-challenging-phrma-in-defense-of-louisianas-340b-contract-pharmacy-law-4-18-2025.png" data-entity-uuid="71335b07-7453-4fea-a69c-6787fba7f1ad" data-entity-type="file" alt="Amicus Brief Cover Image" width="765" height="990"><p>View the detailed brief below.</p> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:09:08 -0500 340B Drug Pricing Program