Washington, DC – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has cosponsored H.R. 4392, legislation to block a rule put forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would make significant cuts to the 340B drug program.
“Rural communities like ours have been well served by this important program that provides access to discounted drugs and lifesaving services,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Cuts to this program would jeopardize access to affordable healthcare for many families in our district. I am pleased to join my colleagues on this effort and will continue to work in Congress to ensure rural communities like ours have access to the healthcare we need.”
Background: The CMS’ hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) final rule for calendar year 2018 includes a significant reimbursement cut for 340B drugs. Specifically, the final rule slashes Medicare payments for “separately payable” 340B drugs from ASP +6% to ASP -22.5% -- a severe blow that directly harms safety net hospitals and undermines the ability of covered entities to provide essential health care services for their communities.
H.R. 4392 would block the final rule’s 340B cut. The bill states that the final CMS regulation “shall have no force or effect.”
In October, Congresswoman Stefanik wrote to CMS in support of the 340B drug program.
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