Columbian Missourian: It's time to review prescription program that is meant to put patients first

By Connie Farrow, Patients Come First Missouri Executive Director

Considerable attention is being given these days to ensuring federal programs work efficiently and deliver for citizens as intended. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is one program that deserves review.

The 340B program is one of the largest prescription programs administered by the federal government. It was intended to help our most vulnerable patients access treatment through steep discounts on outpatient drugs.

There is growing concern that the program’s lack of oversight is allowing bad actors to turn around and charge patients higher prices and pocket the difference or use the profits to invest in unrelated programs. As they fund their own special interests, the most-vulnerable patients are left unable to afford their medications. This is contrary to the program’s intended purpose. Missourians deserve to know that the program so many rely on is being used to help patients.

A new national survey reveals that Americans overwhelmingly support requiring health care providers to pass along 340B savings directly to our most vulnerable patients to help cover their medical costs. In fact, 86.2% of respondents believe financial relief should go directly to eligible patients. With many rural areas in Missouri being underserved, it’s imperative this program benefits all who need it.

Read the full LTE in the Columbian Missourian here.