NRHA recap: The state of rural healthcare spotlighted in Albuquerque

▤ Summary

We were pleased to engage with attendees and speakers at the National Rural Health Association annual meeting on issues related to both 340B and revenue cycle, at both the state and federal levels. Some of the hot topics discussed: • Protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program, including efforts like the PROTECT 340B Act of 2021 • Manufacturer exclusions on 340B contract pharmacies and removal of orphan drug voluntary 340B pricing • The prevalence of social determinants of health in rural communities • The need for increased federal funding and reforms to improve quality and health outcomes While rural healthcare challenges are similar across all states in many ways, there are also unique challenges related to local funding and other state-specific programs that make it so important to be engaged at the state level. As inflation continues to wreak havoc on the economy, rural hospitals are seeking alternative funding sources due to the loss of 340B savings from manufacturers restricting contract pharmacy access. Tom Morris, HRSA’s associate administrator of rural health policy, shared some new ideas and recent successes of the flex programs. We remain aligned with NRHA on preventing further attacks on 340B by manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and focusing on reforms that protect the program.

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