In this episode, 340B Report Publisher and CEO Ted Slafsky joins Associate Editors and Senior Writers Shannon Young and Will Newton breaking down the latest in 340B news, including a new hospital lawsuit aiming to block the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) 340B rebate pilot, HRSA's recent webinar about that program, key regulatory updates on Medicare negotiated drug prices and a finalized hospital outpatient rule with significant implications for 340B hospitals and other stakeholders.

Key Topics Covered:

Hospitals Continue to Oppose Rebate Pilot

Will breaks down a hospital group's new lawsuit urging a Maine federal district court to block HRSA from implementing its 340B rebate pilot ahead of its Jan. 1, 2026 launch. He also provides an update on separate 340B rebate litigation before a Washington, D.C. federal appeals court. Shannon highlights a new letter from a different national hospital group urging HRSA to address key concerns with the pilot.

Technical Issues Disrupt HRSA's Rebate Webinar

Will explains the technical issues that hampered HRSA's highly anticipated Dec. 4 webinar on its 340B rebate pilot program, preventing many stakeholders from joining. He then shares details of the second half of HRSA's webinar that 340B Report was able to access and notes 340B Report will provide additional coverage of the full webinar once it becomes available.

CMS Lists New Negotiated Medicare Prices, Finalizes OPPPS Rule

Shannon breaks down the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) late-November release of the "maximum fair price" (MFP) it will pay for 15 high-cost Medicare Part D drugs starting in 2027, and how those negotiated prices are expected to compare to the drugs' 340B ceiling prices. She and Ted also discuss 340B provider advocates' concerns with CMS' finalized 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) rule, which includes a Medicare drugs acquisition cost survey and plan to accelerate outpatient payment cuts to offset previous 340B hospital lump sum repayments.

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This week's episode is sponsored by PharmaForce. PharmaForce is the only third party administrator composed entirely of experienced 340B professionals developing uniquely flexible technology solutions for covered entities and pharmacies of every size. We are very grateful to PharmaForce for its sponsorship.

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In this episode, 340B Report Associate Editors and Senior Writers Shannon Young and Will Newton break down the latest in 340B news, including the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) approval of the final drugmaker 340B rebate pilot plan; oral arguments in a key federal court case centered on 340B rebates; and Kalderos' official entrance into the 340B contract pharmacy claims clearinghouse space.

Key Topics Covered:

Final Rebate Pilot Model Plans Approved, Additional Details Unveiled

Will provides an in-depth look at HRSA's recent approval of Novartis' 340B rebate plan for Entresto—the final drug eligible for the upcoming pilot program. He also explains provider concerns about the pilot's rollout—including how manufacturers and their vendor defined the claims data field "340B ID"—and HRSA's response seeking to quell those concerns.

Appeals Court Hears Oral Arguments in Rebate Case

Will discusses oral arguments he attended at a Washington, D.C., federal appeals court that could shape the future of 340B rebates, including HRSA's rebate pilot. Attorneys for the drug industry, the federal government and trade group 340B Health debated who—if anyone—has authority to decide whether drugmakers can offer 340B pricing through a rebate. Will notes that all three sides faced tough questioning from the judges, who appeared well-versed in the nuances of the 340B program.

1st Drugmaker Transitions to Kalderos' Truzo Platform

Shannon breaks down the significance of drugmaker Alkermes' recent decision to transition its 340B contract pharmacy policy administration from Second Sight Solutions' 340B ESP platform to Kalderos' Truzo clearinghouse—making it the first drug manufacturer to do so. She also discusses the pushback the Alkermes' short timeline for the shift, which will go live Dec. 1, drew from 340B provider advocates.

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Stay tuned for more episodes every other week! 🎧 Subscribe to Inside 340B Report on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube.

This week's episode is sponsored by RxParadigm. RxParadigm's mission is to cultivate innovative approaches and technologies that promote transparency and authenticity, leading to enhanced outcomes, reduced overall healthcare costs, and effective 340B program administration. We are very grateful to RxParadigm for its sponsorship.

Subscribe to 340B Report with a Special Discount

We're offering a special discount for podcast listeners. 340B Report is the indispensable source for news and intelligence on the 340B program. First-time subscribers may subscribe now using coupon code PODCAST25. Not ready to subscribe? Sign up for a 15-day free trial.

In this episode, 340B Report Publisher and CEO Ted Slafsky and Associate Editors and Senior Writers Shannon Young and Will Newton break down the latest in 340B news, including the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) recent approval of drugmaker 340B rebate pilot plans—and the reactions they sparked; major court actions affecting Oklahoma and Colorado's 340B contract pharmacy access laws; and what Abigail Spanberger's (D) Virginia gubernatorial win could mean for 340B policy in that state.

Key Topics Covered:

Rebate Pilot Model Plans Approved, Unveiled

Will provides an in-depth look at the manufacturer rebate pilot plans that HRSA approved, as well as provider frustrations over the pilot's rollout. Shannon breaks down the contrasting reactions to HRSA's plan approvals. 340B providers panned the move and the drug industry embraced it, urging that the model be expanded. She also teases a Dec. 15 340B Report subscriber-only webinar that will focus on the rebate pilot model's implementation.

Federal Courts Block Oklahoma's Contract Pharmacy Law, Back Colorado's

Will discusses a pair of conflicting federal district court rulings on 340B contract pharmacy access laws in two states. One judge blocked Oklahoma from enforcing its law while the drug industry litigation plays out, while a different judge denied AbbVie's bid to block enforcement of Colorado's statute. Despite the Oklahoma federal court's ruling, Shannon notes that some drugmakers are exempting covered entities in that state from their contract pharmacy restrictions.

Virginia's Gubernatorial Election Implications

Shannon breaks down how Spanberger's recent gubernatorial win could bolster advocates' efforts to enact 340B contract pharmacy protections in Virginia. She and Ted discuss Spanberger's leadership on 340B issues in Congress and how the Democrat made prescription drug pricing a key tenet of her 2025 campaign for governor. They also compare Spanberger's actions on 340B to outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who vetoed a widely supported, bipartisan 340B contract pharmacy access bill in 2024 after pressure from a dark-money group.

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How to Follow Us and Learn More About This Episode's Sponsor

Stay tuned for more episodes every other week! 🎧 Subscribe to Inside 340B Report on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube.

This week's episode is sponsored by VytlOne. As the only independent provider of integrated pharmacy solutions, VytlOne leads the way in partnering with hospitals, health systems and health centers to unlock pharmacy revenue, strengthen local care, and reinvest in communities. We are very grateful to VytlOne for its sponsorship.

Subscribe to 340B Report with a Special Discount

We're offering a special discount for podcast listeners. 340B Report is the indispensable source for news and intelligence on the 340B program. First-time subscribers may subscribe now using coupon code PODCAST25. Not ready to subscribe? Sign up for a 15-day free trial.