STATEMENT ON MEDICARE PAYMENT CUTS TO 340B HOSPITALS IN 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today finalized Medicare outpatient drug payment rates for 2022 that continue the nearly 30% cuts to many hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program. The following statement on the final Medicare outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) rule is attributed to 340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni:
“We are deeply disappointed that CMS will be continuing this harmful and inequitable Medicare payment policy for many safety-net hospitals next calendar year. The 340B drug pricing program is intended to enable these hospitals to stretch their scarce resources further to provide care for patients with low incomes and those living in rural areas. Reducing Medicare pay rates makes it more difficult for hospitals to meet this patient care mission, including for the millions of people living with chronic diseases who need them the most.”
“Four years’ worth of Medicare cuts have taken their toll on 340B hospitals, some of which have been forced to cut crucial services or postpone expanding care that would have benefited their communities. We remain concerned that more of these cutbacks will become necessary as the reductions persist.”
“Later this month, the U.S. Supreme Court will be considering whether CMS had the authority to implement the payment reductions starting in 2018. We are hopeful that the justices will reverse a lower court ruling that upheld these damaging cuts.”
Contact: Richard Sorian at richard.sorian@340bhealth.org or 202-536-2285.