Baylor Scott & White College Station gets county acknowledgment to pursue 340B drug‑discount participation

The Brazos County Commissioners Court on Sept. 16 approved a memorandum of understanding with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — College Station to enable the hospital to pursue participation in the federal 340B drug‑discount program. Jason Jennings, regional president for Baylor Scott & White in College Station, told the court the 340B program “helps hospitals care for low income patients by saving money on prescription drugs” and said the hospital qualifies because it is designated a rural referral center with a disproportionate share adjustment percentage of at least 8%. Karen Simpson, a Precinct 1 resident who asked whether the memorandum would cost the county or patients money, was told it would not. Rachel Crowder, regional director of pharmacy for Baylor Scott & White, told the court, “It will not cost the patients or consumers $1,” and explained the memorandum is an acknowledgment that the hospital serves a qualifying share of low‑income patients so it may receive discounted pricing. Hospital representatives and at least one commissioner noted the hospitals in the region already provide substantial uncompensated care. According to testimony in the meeting record, College Station and Brenham hospitals provided about $54 million in uncompensated cost of care in the prior fiscal year. The court took a motion to approve the memorandum and approved it by voice vote. Court members and hospital speakers said Baylor Scott & White does not expect to ask the county for funding in connection with the program; the MOU is an administrative acknowledgment required for the state pricing arrangement. Why this matters: The 340B program can lower hospital drug costs for qualifying facilities and, according to hospital representatives, enable those hospitals to extend services and support to low‑income patients. The court’s action is an acknowledgment that triggers eligibility paperwork and state‑level recognition. Background: Under federal and state 340B procedures, eligible hospitals that meet required criteria can receive manufacturer discounts on outpatient drugs. The MOU the court approved documents the county’s acknowledgment of the hospital’s qualifying status.