Senate passes bill letting FQHCs use clearinghouse for 340B claims amid debate over transparency and PBMs

The Oregon Senate on the floor approved House Bill 3409 A, which allows—though does not require—federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and pharmacies to use a clearinghouse rather than a modifier when submitting claims for drugs covered by the federal 340B program.

Supporters said the change will reduce administrative work for clinics and pharmacies and align Oregon with proposed federal reforms; opponents said the bill lacks a definition of “clearinghouse,” may authorize a no‑bid transfer of sensitive pricing data to for‑profit parties, and could shift costs onto insurers and patients.

House Bill 3409 was described on the floor by Senator Patterson, who said the bill “simply allows, not requires, but allows” FQHCs to use a clearinghouse and explained how the current modifier workflow requires duplicate work by pharmacies and clinics. Patterson said pharmacies are often “2 to 3 days behind” and that the bill “lessen[s] the load” on providers serving low‑income Oregonians.

Opponents, led…