Washington, DC–Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) joined a bipartisan group of 228 lawmakers urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to withdraw its harmful proposal to levy cuts on certain hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program (340B program).
“Rural communities like the North Country have been well served by this important program that provides access to discounted drugs and lifesaving services,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Since 1992 the 340B program has helped expand healthcare for communities like ours and I join my colleagues in urging CMS to withdraw its proposed rule so that this funding will continue to be there for those who need it most.”
On July 13, 2017, CMS released the outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule for 2018. The rule would dramatically cut the reimbursement rate for Medicare Part B drugs purchased by certain hospitals covered under the 340B program. These cuts jeopardize care for millions by directly reducing revenue to safety net hospitals that care for vulnerable patents in underserved and rural communities, without addressing the underlying price of the drugs.
Since 1992, the 340B program has leveraged mandated discounts offered by drug manufacturers to help hospitals and other covered entities provide discounted drugs and lifesaving services to their patients. CMS’ proposed rule will eliminate funding that hospitals use to support the unreimbursed cost of care for those who need it the most.
Click here for full text of the letter.
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