JCN Urges Policymakers to Rein in Runaway Government Program

Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2024)—Tomorrow, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is holding a hearing on the 340B drug pricing program. The federal drug discount program was initially intended to help underserved populations access affordable medicine. But a lack of transparency and oversight has allowed large hospital networks and drug supply chain middlemen to game the system at the expense of patients. 

Federal legislation called the 340B Access Act was recently introduced to help rein in the runaway government program. If adopted, the bill would improve transparency, create more strict guidelines for what entities qualify for the discounts, and better ensure that resources are effectively helping low-income communities. 

Alfredo Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer of the Job Creators Network, released the following statement:

“Like many government initiatives, a lack of oversight and accountability has allowed the 340B program to go off the rails. Rather than being a lifeline for low-income communities to access discounted medicine, the program has morphed into a cash cow for large hospital networks and drug supply chain middlemen. Passage of the 340B Access Act would provide a much-needed dose of transparency and accountability. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”