The AAMC on Oct. 21 submitted comments (PDF) in response to the Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now and for the Future of 340B (SUSTAIN 340B) Act (S. 5244). The legislation, which was first released in August, was developed by the Senate "Gang of Six" — a bipartisan group of six senators who have historically championed the 340B program [refer to Washington Highlights, Aug. 7]. The proposal addresses multiple aspects of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, including congressional intent for the program, the Trump administration's 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, the definition of a 340B-eligible "patient," covered entities' use of contract pharmacies and child sites, and transparency and program integrity.
In its comments, the AAMC expressed support for several provisions in the legislation, including a prohibition on rebate models in the 340B program, new protections for covered entities’ contract pharmacy arrangements, and the language clarifying congressional intent for the program. The AAMC further offered constructive feedback on the patient definition, child site, and transparency sections of the bill, while urging the Senate Gang of Six to expand the scope of the legislation to address proposed reimbursement cuts for 340B-acquired drugs included in the calendar year 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule [refer to Washington Highlights, Sept. 4].
- Washington Highlights