RWC-340B Reacts to Sen. Cassidy Report on 340B Drug Pricing Program

WASHINGTON – Ryan White Clinics for 340B Access (RWC-340B) expresses concerns about the recently released report from Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA), which presents a one-sided critique of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The report draws conclusions based on a narrow subset of providers and echoes longstanding pharmaceutical manufacturer critiques that would significantly limit the ability of safety-net providers to serve vulnerable patients.

“This report misses the mark by drawing broad conclusions from a narrow and unrepresentative sample,” said Shannon Burger, President of RWC-340B and CEO of Cempa Community Care. “The 340B program is a vital resource that allows providers to expand access to care – at no cost to taxpayers – and proposals that restrict its scope risk undermining the very communities the program is designed to support.”

RWC-340B met with Senator Cassidy’s office to share provider perspectives and offer constructive input.

In contrast to this report, the bipartisan Senate 340B Working Group – Senators Moran (R-KS), Baldwin (D-WI), Capito (R-WV), Kaine (D-VA), Mullin (R-OK), and Hickenlooper (D-CO) – engaged with all 340B stakeholders for over two years to develop a thoughtful framework for program progress that reflects a more inclusive and collaborative approach to strengthening 340B.

“340B savings make it possible for providers to offer not just medications, but the full spectrum of care – primary care, mental health support, housing assistance, transportation, and more,” added Burger. “Congress intentionally designed the program with flexibility so that providers could meet the evolving needs of their patients.”

RWC-340B remains committed to working collaboratively with lawmakers to ensure the 340B program continues to serve its original purpose: supporting safety-net care for vulnerable populations across the country. The organization will continue advocating to support safety-net care and reject efforts that would weaken the essential 340B program under the guise of reform.