Opinion: How CMS Plans to Fix a Major Flaw in the 340B Drug Discount Program

A federal health official explains how the 340B drug discount program, originally designed to provide modest savings for safety-net hospitals serving vulnerable populations, has evolved into a substantial institutional subsidy with significant unintended consequences. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing reforms to address the program's structural flaws and realign it with its original mission. These changes could impact medication costs and accessibility for patients at participating hospitals and community health centers. Understanding these reforms is crucial for patients who depend on safety-net providers for affordable prescription medications.