STATEMENT ON THE BIPARTISAN PROTECT 340B ACT TO STOP DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS BY PBMS AND INSURERS
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Reps. David McKinley (R-W.V.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) introduced legislation today that would ban discriminatory pricing and policy terms targeting health care providers participating in the 340B drug pricing program.
The “Preserving Rules Ordered for The Entities Covered Through 340B Act of 2021,” or PROTECT 340B Act, would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health insurers from discriminating against covered entities or their community pharmacy partners for participating in 340B by imposing different reimbursement terms or rules than they impose on non-340B providers or pharmacies. The bill would authorize civil monetary penalties on PBMs that are found to be in violation of this prohibition.
340B Health strongly endorses the PROTECT 340B Act. The following statement on the House bill is attributed to 340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni:
“We appreciate Representatives Spanberger’s and McKinley’s continued leadership on protecting safety-net hospitals, health centers, and clinics from the damaging actions of pharmacy benefit managers and other third-party payers. By ensuring a level playing field, this legislation will support the critical mission of 340B hospitals to serve patients living with low incomes and those in rural communities. We are pleased by this bipartisan show of support for 340B providers and the patients we serve.”
Contact: Richard Sorian at richard.sorian@340bhealth.org or 202-536-2285.