Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Tracey Mann (K-Kan.), and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) led a Sept. 9 bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urging the administration to withdraw its plans for a 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (PDF). The program, which was first announced in August, would allow manufacturers to restructure 340B from an upfront discount to a back-end rebate for certain drugs subject to the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program [refer to Washington Highlights, Aug. 1]. The AAMC had previously sent a letter cautioning the department against adopting rebate models in the 340B program, arguing that this approach would usurp the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) oversight responsibilities and increase the financial and administrative burden placed on hospitals [refer to Washington Highlights, May 30]. The AAMC reiterated these points in its comments to HRSA on the pilot program [refer to related story].
The letter was signed by 166 members of Congress and endorsed by several national associations representing 340B hospitals, including the AAMC, 340B Health, and the American Hospital Association.