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Health centers urge passage of SB 198 to prevent manufacturers from blocking 340B contract pharmacies
Summary
Representatives of Ohio’s community health centers told the Senate Health Committee Senate Bill 198 would guard access to discounted medications under the federal 340B program by barring manufacturers from imposing restrictions that sever contract pharmacy partnerships; witnesses said restrictions have harmed patient access and center finances.
The Senate Health Committee heard multiple witnesses in strong support of Senate Bill 198, legislation the witnesses said would protect community health centers’ access to discounted medications under the federal 340B program and preserve local pharmacy options for patients.
Julie D’Rossi King, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, told the committee Ohio’s 61 community health centers operate more than 600 sites across 76 counties and serve "over 1,000,000 Ohioans each year." She said 340B savings allow centers to reinvest in services such as extended hours, care coordination and programs that are not otherwise reimbursed. "By law, community health centers are federally mandated to reinvest 100% every penny earned of 340B savings into patient care," King said.
Witnesses described an industry practice that…
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