Powers Counsel Brad Lang wrote an article describing his experiences with the 340B program during his decade of experience administering the program at the Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Pharmacy Affairs.
The STAT News article, titled “An Insider’s View of the Myths and Misconceptions Behind 340B ‘reform,’” discusses the history of the 340B program, which began with bipartisan support in 1992. The program requires drug manufacturers to provide discounts to certain safety-net providers as a condition of Medicaid and Medicare paying for manufacturers’ drugs.
Brad discusses common misconceptions about the 340B program and explains why arguments critics use to undermine the program are false. He writes that the program is well-regulated for safety-net providers – not manufacturers – and that program growth is overstated. He also writes about “so called” reform proposals, explaining that these changes would not benefit patients.
Additionally, Brad explains how safety-net providers are the intended beneficiaries of the program, citing the original legislation that states the purpose of the program as enabling covered entities “to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services.”
To read the full article, click here.
Brad Lang
Brad Lang’s practice focuses on health law and policy, especially in the areas of drug pricing and reimbursement and providing guidance to safety net providers participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
Before joining Powers, Brad worked for more than twelve years at the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs administering the 340B program. He provided broad policy support on 340B implementation issues and both developed and wrote published guidance and proposed regulations governing use of the program. His OPA experience touched on all aspects of administration of the 340B program.
For more information about the 340B program, contact 340B attorney Brad Lang at 202-872-6736 or Brad.Lang@PowersLaw.com.