Hospitals throughout Michigan rely on savings from the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program every day to spread scarce resources and care for those with limited or no access to healthcare. As manufacturers and other players at the state and federal level work to scale back the program, the MHA team is engaged in efforts to protect 340B and generate public awareness about the benefits it provides to Michigan patients and communities. Those interested in advocating for the 340B program are encouraged to contact House Insurance and Financial Services Committee members in a few quick steps through an MHA Action Alert.
The action alert requests committee members pass House Bill (HB) 5350, introduced by Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), to protect the 340B program and preserve healthcare cost-savings for Michigan hospitals and the communities they serve. The House Insurance and Financial Services Committee convened June 5 to hear testimony on the bill, allowing representatives from Henry Ford Health, Memorial Healthcare, McLaren Healthcare and Trinity Health to speak in support of the legislation.
Additionally, the MHA created a 340B webpage, downloadable infographic, digital ads and informational social media content. Targeted messages have been displayed more than 150,000 times to audiences in the downtown Lansing region.
Elizabeth Kutter, senior director of government and political affairs, MHA, provided first-hand insight on the strong impact of the 340B program in an MHA Rounds article.
“I’ve had countless conversations with our members about the benefits of 340B,” said Kutter. “The sentiment across the board – especially among rural hospitals and urban safety net hospitals – is that the program is essential for meeting patients where they are…every effort spent to manage the new onslaught of administrative burden created by manufacturers, is less savings going directly into communities in need of affordable care.”
The MHA continues to advocate for 340B and uplift the efforts of Michigan hospitals to expand access to quality, community-based care. Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.