STATEMENT ON PROPOSED MEDICARE PAYMENT CUTS TO 340B HOSPITALS IN 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today unveiled its proposed 2022 Medicare outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) rule that would continue deep cuts to many hospitals participating in the 340B drug pricing program. The following statement is attributed to 340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni:
“We are deeply disappointed that CMS has proposed perpetuating this inequitable payment policy that originated during the previous administration. 340B hospitals treat a large percentage of patients with low incomes enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, including many people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes. The payment cuts of nearly 30% that have been in place since 2018 have made it more difficult for these hospitals to provide critical health services and support to these patients in need. The reductions have forced some of these hospitals to cut services or cancel care expansion plans to maintain other core services for their patients and communities.”
“We strongly urge CMS to abandon these ill-conceived payment cuts when it finalizes 2022 rates later this year. Four years of reductions already have taken a substantial toll on our nation’s health care safety net, and 340B hospitals and the patients who rely on them can ill afford another year of harm.
Contact: Richard Sorian at richard.sorian@340bhealth.org or 202-536-2285.