Over 6 million Georgians are living with at least one chronic illness and reliant on consistent and reliable access to the treatments prescribed by their health care provider to manage symptoms, control their illnesses, and lead healthier lives.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program, otherwise known as 340B, was created by Congress just over 30 years ago to help low-income and uninsured patients across the country access discounted medications. While well intended, a lack of federal oversight has allowed 340B to evolve into a growing profit center for many hospitals and for profit-corporations. Much of this growth is due, in part, to 340B hospitals' ability to also contract with an unlimited number of pharmacies, many of which are owned by the nation's largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). As a result, PBMs and 340B contract pharmacies can also rake in massive profits from discounted 340B medicines.
Help stop further 340B abuse. Tell lawmakers to oppose HB 139.
Act now and send a letter to your state lawmakers urging oppose House 8ill 139 (H8139), legislation that will facilitate further abuse of the 340B program and allow hospitals and PBMs to continue profiting at the expense of vulnerable patients. Take action now!
Dear [LAWMAKER NAME],
As your constituent, I urge you to oppose policies that put the profits of pharmacy middlemen and for-profit corporations over Georgia patients and ensure all Georgians can access the health care they need.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program, or 340B, was created by Congress in 1992 to help low-income and uninsured patients access the care they rely on to stay healthy. Through 340B, qualifying hospitals and clinics serving a large number of vulnerable patients can purchase deeply discounted medicines directly from pharmaceutical manufacturers with the expectation that they use these savings to help patients afford and access their necessary medications.
While originally intended to serve the most vulnerable patients, a lack of federal oversight has allowed 340B to evolve into a growing profit center for many hospitals and for-profit corporations. 340B hospitals are able to also contract with an unlimited number of pharmacies, many of which are out-of-state and owned by the nation's largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers. As a result, PBMs and 340B contract pharmacies can also rake in massive profits from discounted 340B medicines.
House Bill 139 (HB 139) twill facilitate further abuse of the 340B Program by prohibiting manufacturers and wholesalers from placing any restrictions on how many pharmacies a 340B hospital can contract with. If this legislation passes, PBMs and for-profit corporations will continue to line their pockets with savings meant for vulnerable Georgia patients.
I urge you to stand with Georgia patients and oppose HB 139.
[Your comment here]
Thank you,
[Your name here]
