340B bill aims to stop reimbursement discrimination for covered entities; hospitals seek inclusion

Representative Tara Peters told the committee House Bill 784 would limit discriminatory reimbursement practices that divert the savings from federally authorized 340B drug discounts away from the covered entities and their patients. She said last year's bill addressed contract‑pharmacy restrictions and this year's measure seeks to recover an additional component proponents described as "pickpocketing." "All we're doing this year is bringing back one component of those 340B pieces that were left out," Peters said, explaining the bill aims to ensure 340B discounts reach the covered entity that is intended to use those savings to expand services.

Supporters testified that 340B discounts are intended to stretch scarce federal resources and to allow covered entities — such as federally…