tedkennedy.org Senator Ted Kennedy September 1, 2009 - Senator Ted Kennedy was a leader on many critical domestic and international issues, but improving access to health care was, in his own words, "the cause of my life." The 340B world knows first-hand what Kennedy meant for clinics and hospitals that serve the nation's uninsured and underinsured patients. In the … [Read more...]
They’re in! Children’s Hospitals Qualify for 340B
HRSA has issued final guidelines allowing children's hospitals into the 340B program.September 1, 2009 - HRSA has issued final guidelines allowing children's hospitals into the 340B program. The much-anticipated notice will be published in the Sept. 1 Federal Registerand take effect immediately. Because the supporting documentation that must be submitted under the final guidelines differs from what was required in the July 2007 proposed guidelines, hospitals … [Read more...]
PhRMA Caught Between Barack and a Hard Place
August 27, 2009 - Just as PhRMA thought it might be done making concessions toward health care reform, the drug industry finds itself on shaky ground with the White House while at the same time fielding live grenades from the Republican leadership. PhRMA President and Chief Executive Billy Tauzin complained in early August that the White House appeared to be backing away … [Read more...]
340B Health Care Reform Moves Forward
Senate and House committees expand the 340B program, overcoming opposition from some quarters.August 7, 2009 - As Congress wrangled over the details of health reform over the past month, many concessions were made as committee chairmen tried to gain the votes needed to push the legislation forward. But one element of the health reform package – a significant expansion of the 340B program – remains standing. In fact, legislation to expand the 340B program to new … [Read more...]
California Bans Medicaid Carve-Outs
In an effort to patch its $24-billion budget hole, the state requires 340B providers to bill Medi-Cal at actual acquisition cost. Safety-net providers end up paying the bill.August 7, 2009 - 340B providers will be required to bill Medi-Cal at actual acquisition cost and unable to carve Medi-Cal drugs out of the 340B program. The changes went into effect when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a California budget bill July 28, and will be implemented in September. The legislation allows a 340B provider to bill at regular Medi-Cal reimbursement … [Read more...]
HRSA Asked to Allow Stockpiling of 340B Drugs for Emergencies
August 7, 2009 - For the past two years, Congress has increased pressure on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to scrap a controversial proposal to limit the definition of patients eligible for 340B-discounted medicines. Now, lawmakers are telling the federal agency to also allow health care providers more flexibility when using the 340B program. In its … [Read more...]
No Medicare Part B Cuts for 340B Hospitals in Proposed Rules for 2010
August 7, 2009 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has tentatively agreed not to adjust Medicare Part B reimbursement paid to 340B hospitals for outpatient drugs below the level paid to non-340B hospitals. This decision is a reversal from the agency’s October 2008 request for comments – and apparent plan – to cut payments to 340B providers. The change would have … [Read more...]