North Carolina State Grange - 340B

The North Carolina State Grange has been an advocate for rural North Carolina since 1929. We believe that all citizens should have access to quality healthcare that is affordable. We further believe that lower income individuals should receive financial assistance with acquiring needed medications. The 340B program enacted by Congress was intended to provide the necessary support for the vulnerable and uninsured to have access to medications. However, a study conducted by Avalere Health Alliance for Integrity and Reform 340B Coalition suggests that many hospitals enrolled in the 340B program may not be fulfilling the intent of the program. The report entitled “An Analysis of Charity Care Provided by 340B Hospitals” found that a large percentage of hospitals have charity care rates that are below the national average for all hospitals. More specifically, the national average for charity care rates is 3.3%. The report found that 69% are serving fewer charity cases than the national rate. The NC State Grange is concerned that so many 340B hospitals appear to be providing such a small amount of mandated charity care. We are further concerned that hospitals may be profiting from the 340B program because they are serving a low population of needy individuals. These health care institutions are able to purchase medicines at a deeply discounted rate through the 340B program, but it appears that a large portion of these drugs are sold at full price. We are thankful that we have qu...
Source: PHRMA - Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Source Type: news