From the Bangor Daily News:
The Maine Hospital Association, federally qualified health centers and pharmacy organizations are urging state lawmakers to support a bipartisan bill that protects a discount drug program from what they say are “attacks” by drug companies.
The program, called 340b, allows eligible safety net providers to purchase drugs at deeply discounted prices, then reinvest those savings in care and services. But some providers in Maine said drug companies are now trying to restrict their use of the program by limiting partnerships with pharmacies.
Lori Dwyer, president and CEO of Penobscot Community Health Care, said those restrictions have already resulted in big revenue losses.
“From 2023 to 2024, PCHC’s 340b revenue declined nearly 40 percent, resulting in a nearly $5 million drop in 340b savings in one year for our organization,” she said.