The 340B drug discount program supports Kansans. Sen. Jerry Moran supports both | Opinion

The purpose of the U.S. Senate’s 340B Drug Pricing Program bipartisan working group is to advance bipartisan policy solutions to make certain the 340B program can continue to achieve its intended goal of supporting hospitals and health centers serving vulnerable populations. Kansas hospitals believe the group’s goals are well intended, unlike what was implied in a recent Kansas City Star guest commentary on 340B.

The federal 340B program has enabled safety net providers, such as hospitals and health centers, to purchase medications at a discount so they can stretch limited resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services in their communities. Hospitals in turn utilize the savings from the 340B program to provide access to services such as maternity care in rural areas, mental health services and cancer treatment closer to home.

In Kansas, there are more than 90 hospitals, mostly rural, participating in the 340B program. The 340B program is critical to providing health care access to vulnerable Kansans across our state and does so without using any taxpayer dollars.

This program’s importance to Kansans is something Sen. Jerry Moran understands well from his visits to nearly every single hospital in the state, visiting with staff, hospital administrators, patients and board members. Sen. Moran serves on the Senate 340B working group and has worked for years to ensure health care providers have the means to provide access to health care for the patients they serve. Kansas hospitals continue to be pleased with Sen. Moran’s support on important health care issues such as 340B.

Unfortunately, the original statute creating 340B has been fraught with disagreements, such as drug manufacturers limiting access to the program. This in turn jeopardizes the ability of Kansans to access needed prescriptions and other vital health services. Without the 340B program, many Kansas hospitals would have to drastically reduce or discontinue health care services offered in their communities.

Keeping the 340B program intact maintains access to needed care and affordable medications for our most vulnerable residents, especially those residing in rural Kansas. If the challenges facing 340B are left unaddressed, negative impacts will continue to be felt across our state.

Sen. Moran and his bipartisan colleagues started the 340B working group to provide clarity to the program so that it is sustained. Protecting the 340B program is critical to the health of our state, workforce and economy. We appreciate Sen. Moran’s leadership on this important program.