The Chronic Care Policy Alliance has expressed its support for the 340B Affording Care for Communities and Ensuring a Strong Safety-Net Act, a federal bill aimed at reforming the 340B Drug Pricing Program to enhance patient access to discounted medications. This announcement was made via a blog post.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program, established under the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, mandates that drug manufacturers offer outpatient drugs at reduced prices to eligible healthcare organizations. The program's objective is to allow providers to extend federal resources to assist more patients in need. However, oversight challenges have led to discussions about potential reforms to ensure that patients benefit as intended.
According to a 2025 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, hospitals and clinics purchased $44 billion worth of 340B-discounted drugs in 2021, a significant increase from $6.6 billion in 2010. The report attributes this rise to expanded participation in the program and changes in prescribing patterns that have increased federal spending.
Drug Channels reported that five major pharmacy benefit managers and chain pharmacies—CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Cigna/Express Scripts, UnitedHealth Group/OptumRx, and Walmart—comprise nearly 75% of all contract pharmacy locations within the 340B program. This concentration has raised concerns regarding whether the savings from the program are reaching the intended safety-net providers and patients.
The Chronic Care Policy Alliance is a national nonprofit coalition representing individuals with chronic illnesses. It advocates for equitable access to affordable healthcare, supports patient-focused reforms, and collaborates with policymakers to strengthen safety-net systems across the United States.
