Drug pricing programs needs reform

To the Editor;

Maine is considered the most rural state in the nation — with nearly two-thirds of its residents living in rural areas. This often makes it difficult for patients to access affordable, quality healthcare.

As a state representative, I’ve seen firsthand just how challenging it can be for families to get the care they need. That’s why I am calling for reform of the 340B Drug Pricing Program that mandates that any discount in drug pricing be by the consumer themselves and nobody else.

The 340B Drug Pricing Program was first created in 1992 to help patients access affordable treatments. It allows certain hospitals and clinics to purchase medications at discounted rates, ensuring patients in underserved communities like ours can get the care they need.

Unfortunately, it seems the original intent of the program has been lost over time.

Some hospitals have reportedly exploited the 340B program to increase their own profits rather than improve patient care by having affordable medications be available to patients. As a result, the cost of some medications may have needlessly gone up, and, at times, too many patients are left struggling to afford the lifesaving medications they rely on every day.

Here in Maine, 29 hospitals participate in the program. 340B plays a vital role in supporting rural hospitals and community clinics, but without greater transparency and accountability, the program may continue to fail some of our patients who need it. That said, we need other Maine leaders to join the push for 340B reform. And we need to act fast.

When patients can access the medications they need without worrying about excessive cost, they can focus on what matters most — their health and that of their family. For the sake of our rural communities, let’s reform the 340B program to protect those who are in need of these affordable medications.

Rep. Ken Fredette

Newport