February 26, 2016—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has sent state Medicaid agencies guidance on how to implement new final regulations governing Medicaid reimbursement for covered outpatient drugs, including those bought through the 340B drug discount program. … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2016
House Appropriations Chairman Slams 340B User Fee Again
Proposal "chips away at the sustainability" of rural hospitalsFebruary 25, 2016—House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) has again criticized the Obama administration's proposal to begin financing the 340B program through user fees on drug purchases. … [Read more...]
Pedley Cites Benefits of 340B Regulatory Authority
Requirements could be more specific with binding rulesFebruary 23, 2016—Congress would strengthen the Health Resources and Services Administration's hand in managing the 340B drug discount program if it gave it HRSA clear authority to issue binding and enforceable 340B regulations, the head HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs says. … [Read more...]
Georgia Medicaid Postpones New 340B Claims Identification Policy
Was due to take effect April 1February 12, 2016—The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has postponed implementation of a new policy for 340B claims identification. … [Read more...]
Amgen Providing 340B Refunds on Most of Its Products
Price restatements include Enbrel, Neulasta, and ProliaFebruary 12, 2016—Amgen, the world's largest biotechnology company by revenue, is giving 340B covered entities refunds stemming from "an adjustment of its 340B ceiling price" on nine of its 16 products, including its blockbusters Enbrel, Neulasta, and Prolia. … [Read more...]
Study: Medicare Pays 340B Hospitals Less for Part B Drugs
DSH hospitals also treat more vulnerable patients than other providersFebruary 11, 2016—Medicare pays disproportionate share hospitals in the 340B drug discount program 13 percent less on average for separately payable drugs reimbursed through Medicare Part B than it pays other hospitals and physician practices in the Part B market, researchers have found. The new study also shows that 340B DSH hospitals are treating more vulnerable patients than … [Read more...]
“Pharma bro” Company’s Excuse: 340B Made Me Do It
The 340B program came up at last week's House Oversight committee hearing about drug company price gouging – the hearing during which ex-Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli pleaded the Fifth Amendment and tweeted that the committee members were imbeciles. Shkreli and Turing Chief Commercial Officer Nancy Retzlaff were there to explain why Turing raised the cost of the … [Read more...]