Riley Gaines, NCAA All-American swimmer and activist, said the federal 340B program designed to assist low-income patients in Florida is instead funding inappropriate medical procedures on children and extravagant overseas expansions at institutions like the University of Miami Health System.
The issue has drawn attention as concerns mount over whether taxpayer-supported health programs are being used as intended. Gaines said, "The 340B program was meant to help vulnerable patients, but it’s being abused by hospitals like the University of Miami (...) They use taxpayer dollars to cut healthy body parts off minors & bankroll lavish projects overseas (...) The 340B program desperately needs real reform," according to a statement posted on X.
Gaines reposted an advertisement from Save Our States that accuses the University of Miami Health System of misusing subsidized funds for luxury upgrades and executive perks while neglecting core services. The ad highlights new lobby renovations and an Abu Dhabi expansion as examples of resources diverted from patient care. This reflects broader concerns about accountability in taxpayer-supported health programs.
According to a report by the Alliance for Integrity and Reform of 340B, the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics maintains 248 contract pharmacy arrangements, with 22% involving out-of-state pharmacies. Such expansions allow hospitals to generate significant revenue from discounted drugs without necessarily benefiting local low-income patients. The Floridian Press has documented similar abuses among Florida hospitals profiting from the 340B program.
As reported by the American Society for Affordable Pharmaceuticals, the University of Miami's UHealth system utilized health revenue, including from 340B participation, to contribute to the salary of the university's football coach. State officials have been urged to investigate these spending patterns.
A U.S. Senate report from the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee revealed that major hospital systems nationwide generated hundreds of millions in 340B revenue without passing savings to patients. The investigation found widespread exploitation by hospitals and pharmacy benefit managers. Overall sales through the program reached $106 billion in 2022.
Gaines competed as a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the University of Kentucky before transitioning into advocacy after her experience at the 2022 NCAA Championships. She now focuses on fairness in women's sports and healthcare policy issues according to her official website.
"The 340B program was meant to help vulnerable patients, but it's being abused by hospitals like the University of Miami," said Gaines. "They use taxpayer dollars to cut healthy body parts off minors & bankroll lavish projects overseas. The 340B program desperately needs real reform."
