Similar to many of my colleagues in medicine, I see firsthand how vitally important access to affordable medication is for patients battling autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Many of my patients rely on costly biologic therapies to manage their conditions and maintain their quality of life. Yet, an essential federal program designed to help vulnerable patients afford their medications — the 340B Drug Pricing Program — is failing to meet its mission.
The 340B drug discount program was created with a noble intent – to ensure that underserved, low-income and uninsured patients receive the medications they need at little to no cost. Hospitals, clinics and other “covered entities” across the country can do this by purchasing outpatient medications at significantly discounted prices from drug manufacturers.
