GAO, OIG Call for 340B Changes; 60 Groups Urge Rejection of 340B Cuts

The Senate Health Committee heard from the Government Accountability Office and the HHS Inspector General last week in a hearing where both called for changes to the 340B drug discount program through regulations and guidance documents.  Some of the changes had previously been proposed by the Health Resources Services Administration that oversees the 340B program but retracted before making final. Republican Senators concentrated on the purpose of the program that the GAO official stated is to help covered entities "stretch scare federal resources." Democratic senators, raised concerns about the lack of required regulations on drug ceiling prices that would allow auditors determine whether manufacturers are providing accurate 340B prices. Click here for the OIG testimony. Click here for the GAO testimony.

• About 60 patient and consumer advocates sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject proposals that would make cuts to 340B program, though the groups offer support for more program transparency, For the letter, click here.