Drug Discount Monitor

August 2009 Headlines

PhRMA Caught Between Barack and a Hard Place

August 27, 2009 - PhRMA thought it was making a big concession with its $80-billion contribution toward health reform. But will that be enough to satisfy Democrats? Read more

340B Health Care Reform Moves Forward

August 7, 2009 - Senate and House committees expand the 340B program, overcoming opposition from some quarters. Read more

House Bill Expands Rebates and Fed’s Role in Part D Pricing

August 7, 2009 - Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) wants to squeeze more concessions from manufacturers under health reform. Read more

Two HRSA Notices Nearing Goal, Third Pending

August 7, 2009 - It looks as if children’s hospitals and contract pharmacies are a go. But what will happen with HRSA’s revision of the patient definition guidance? Read more

340B: To Be or Not to Be

August 7, 2009 - Will universal health care make the 340B program obsolete? The debate is picking up. Read more

Two 340B Program Advocates Honored at National Conference

July 27, 2009 - Sharley Chen and Derek Robertson paved the way for a better and stronger 340B program. Read more

No Medicare Part B Cuts for 340B Hospitals in Proposed Rules for 2010

August 7, 2009 - CMS revises its position, but stakeholders continue to fight for fairer treatment of drug costs. Read more

HRSA Asked to Allow Stockpiling of 340B Drugs for Emergencies

August 7, 2009 - Congress would also like the agency to scrap proposed patient definition guidelines. The requests are part of the 2010 appropriations bill. Read more

California Bans Medicaid Carve-Outs

August 7, 2009 - 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. Read more