Faces of 340B

Seona Goerndt, Director, Patient Experience, MetroHealth, Ohio

MetroHealth in Cleveland is dedicated to its mission of “leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community.” More than half of its patients are uninsured or underinsured, says Seona Goerndt, MetroHealth’s director of patient experience. These circumstances make it more difficult for patients to navigate the health care system. MetroHealth uses some of its 340B savings to invest in high-need services, such as transportation to medical appointments, that improve access to care. This has been especially important to patients with HIV. MetroHealth also uses its 340B savings to provide discounts on medications. One of its patient surveys found that 30% or more are struggling with the costs of their medications. By providing patients with discounts, the system is preventing patients from having to make difficult choices between taking their medications, purchasing food, or paying their utility bills. In turn, patients have improved their medication adherence and health outcomes. Without the 340B program, MetroHealth would have fewer resources to fund its transportation services and provide patients with these vital medication discounts.