Show-Me State Times

Reid Porter, Senior Director of State Public Affairs for PhRMA, said Congress must act to reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program on X, a debate gaining traction in Missouri. The announcement was made on X.

Congressional and regulatory scrutiny of the 340B Drug Pricing Program has intensified since 2023 as lawmakers push for transparency reforms and oversight expansion. As reported by FierceHealthcare, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee held hearings questioning how hospitals use 340B savings, with some senators proposing new reporting rules on patient benefit and contract-pharmacy activity. The debate underscores growing federal concern over the program’s scale and accountability. According to FierceHealthcare.

The 340B program now covers tens of thousands of providers and billions in discounts. As reported by the Commonwealth Fund, covered entities purchased $66.3 billion in discounted drugs in 2023 through more than 42,000 participating organizations and 53,000 care sites nationwide. Policymakers cite this rapid growth as evidence for stronger monitoring of savings use and manufacturer participation. According to the Commonwealth Fund.

Financial analyses show differing charity-care trends among 340B hospitals. As reported by Strategic Health Care, a 2023 review found 340B hospitals provided lower average charity care than non-340B facilities while maintaining similar margins, raising questions about whether savings reach low-income patients. According to Strategic Health Care.

PhRMA reported that 42 hospitals in Missouri participate in the 340B program, holding more than 1,400 contracts with pharmacies nationwide. Only 22% of these contract pharmacies are located in medically underserved areas. Additionally, 79% of participating hospitals in Missouri provide charity care below the national average, raising questions about whether the program is effectively serving its intended populations.

Reid Porter serves as Senior Director of State Public Affairs at PhRMA, where he oversees state-level policy and communications on drug pricing and access. As reported by The Org, he joined PhRMA after communications leadership roles at the American Petroleum Institute and has worked in public affairs since 2011. According to The Org.