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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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.

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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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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.

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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 Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee's recent hearing on 340B, key takeaways from the 340B Grantees Fall Conference in Atlanta and 340B Report's recent webinar on the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) 340B rebate pilot and where we may be headed next on that controversial proposal.

Key Topics Covered:

Senate HELP Committee Mixes 340B Criticisms and Support

Shannon and Will provide an in-depth look at the Senate HELP Committee's Oct. 23 hearing on the 340B program, which occurred despite an ongoing federal government shutdown. Shannon discusses the dark money anti-340B campaign now underway in Washington, D.C., and how many provider advocates were pleasantly surprised about how the hearing went. Will explains that while HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) reiterated familiar 340B criticisms, many lawmakers from both parties defended the program's importance to providers. He also notes that the hearing often veered off topic, with many Democrats criticizing the government shutdown and health care cuts.

Ted also discusses the growing momentum for a bipartisan group of senators' draft bill, the SUSTAIN 340B Act. He notes that multiple lawmakers expressed support for that effort, including longtime 340B critic Cassidy. Ted also shares insights into the status of the SUSTAIN Act and what might be included in the legislation.

Takeaways from 340B Grantees Conference in Atlanta and Industry Conference in NYC

Ted and Will discuss their recent trip to Atlanta for the 340B Grantees Fall Conference, where they each moderated panels. Will discusses his panel on state 340B legislative activity and shares providers' concerns that drugmakers could use the 340B program as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Trump administration on things like direct-to-consumer drug pricing and pharmaceutical tariffs. Ted discusses continued provider concerns with the HRSA's 340B rebate pilot proposal and shares insights on potential 340B negotiations with the Trump administration, which he heard at a separate conference in New York City that had a strong drug industry presence.

340B Report's Rebate Pilot Webinar and Rumblings

Shannon highlights 340B Report's recent subscriber-only webinar on HRSA's 340B rebate pilot proposal, which focused on key implementation concerns and included a lively debate on the rebate proposal's merits. Ted also shares what he is hearing about the status of the rebate model.

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This week's episode is sponsored by Pillr Health. Pillr is a leading provider of innovative solutions designed to optimize and streamline pharmacy operations with a focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving patient outcomes, particularly within the 340B program. We are very grateful to Pillr Health for its sponsorship.

Subscribe to 340B Report with a Special Discount

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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 ongoing federal government shutdown's impact on 340B operations, the latest in the 340B rebate debate and a large drugmaker's move to tighten 340B restrictions on certain hospitals that it believes are not complying with the company's current contract pharmacy policy.

Key Topics Covered:

Federal Government Shutdown Could Affect 340B Program Operations

Shannon explains how the federal government shutdown has led to furloughs at the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs—and what that could mean for stakeholders if the shutdown drags on. She also discusses how the shutdown could impact a key upcoming deadline in HRSA's 340B rebate pilot program. Meanwhile, Ted shares his thoughts on politically-charged language about the shutdown that appeared on HRSA's website and the shutdown's real world effects on the HRSA staff and other federal workers.

340B Rebate Pilot Concerns and Upcoming Exclusive 340B Report Webinar

Will discusses 340B stakeholders' continued implementation concerns with HRSA's controversial 340B rebate pilot program, including potentially significant financial and administrative burdens for providers. Will and Ted also preview 340B Report's exclusive, subscriber-only webinar on the biggest implementation questions for 340B stakeholders, which will take place on Oct. 15 and include a panel of experts from across the 340B supply chain.

Pfizer Tightens 340B Restrictions, Makes Headlines with 'MFN' Move

Shannon discusses Pfizer's recent move informing certain 340B hospitals that they could lose their approved one contract pharmacy exemption registered with industry vendor 340B ESP as of Nov. 1. She also explains Pfizer's headline-grabbing move to offer its drugs to Medicaid at a "most favored nation" price and launch a direct-to-consumer prescription drug platform. Shannon discusses why industry observers don't think it will have as significant an impact as it has been heralded by the White House and Pfizer executives. And why some stakeholders view those moves as undermining the drug industry's arguments that 340B drives higher drug prices.

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This week's episode is sponsored by Verity Solutions. Verity's innovative, award-winning 340B program management solutions are designed to optimize your 340B pharmacy spend and maximize your pharmacy supply chain savings. We are very grateful to Verity Solutions for its sponsorship.

Subscribe to 340B Report with a Special Discount

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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 one drugmaker's removal of medications from the 340B and Medicaid Drug Rebate programs, recent developments in key 340B drug industry lawsuits and dark money groups' efforts to block Michigan's 340B contract pharmacy and reporting bill.

Key Topics Covered:

Bausch Health Pulls Drugs From 340B, Medicaid Rebate Programs

Shannon discusses Bausch Health's recent decision to remove drugs from the 340B and Medicaid rebate programs effective Oct. 1. She notes that while the terminations will affect hundreds of products associated with many of Bausch Health's national drug codes for 340B-eligible drugs, it's unclear whether Bausch will fully remove itself from the 340B program. Attorneys, however, have suggested that drugmakers can't "pick and choose." Ted discusses providers' responses to the forthcoming terminations, including their concerns about the move's financial implications, patient access to medications and whether other drugmakers will follow suit.

Two More Federal Courts Side With States on Contract Pharmacy Protections

Will explains the implications of two recent major federal court rulings in favor of state 340B contract pharmacy access laws. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals denied AbbVie's bid to block enforcement of Mississippi's law, reaffirming a lower court's decision. Shortly thereafter, a federal district court in Maine denied AbbVie and Novartis' efforts to halt Maine's law, allowing the statute to take effect as scheduled.

Michigan's Contract Pharmacy and Reporting Bill Comes Under Fire

Will also discusses a recent Michigan House hearing over a contract pharmacy access bill with reporting requirements for hospitals and manufacturers. Providers strongly supported the bill, while the drug industry and two dark money groups heavily opposed it. The hearing came amid an ongoing feud between the Michigan House speaker and the leader of the state's hospital association. It also came six months after the state Senate easily passed a similar measure.

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This week's episode is sponsored by Plenful. Plenful is the leading AI workflow automation platform transforming how healthcare teams work. Built to empower operators and the patients they serve, Plenful enables healthcare organizations to scale operations with speed, precision, and intelligence. We are very grateful to Plenful 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 1,000-plus public comments on the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) 340B rebate pilot proposal, the 340B ACCESS Act's reintroduction in Congress and a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on 340B program growth, which has drawn criticism from provider advocates. Shannon and Will also provide updates on oral arguments in key federal cases that recently went before appeals court judges.

Key Topics Covered:

More than 1,000 Stakeholders Weigh-in on HRSA's 340B Rebate Pilot Proposal

Will discusses the more than 1,200 stakeholder comments HRSA received over its contentious 340B rebate pilot proposal. He explains why hundreds of 340B providers urged the agency to abandon the rebate pilot altogether and discusses the drug industry's push to expand the pilot to more drugs. Will also breaks down stakeholders' concerns with the one-week turnaround between the comment due date and manufacturers' deadline to submit rebate proposals.

CBO Report and ACCESS Act Reintroduction Take Center Stage on Capitol Hill

Shannon breaks down the latest version of the 340B ACCESS Act, a controversial 340B overhaul bill which two key House GOP lawmakers reintroduced on Sept. 10. She discusses how the National Association of Community Health Centers has backed off from supporting the measure, which contains many of the provisions included in the May 2024 original version that providers advocates have vocally opposed. Shannon notes that the bill's reintroduction came one day after the nonpartisan CBO released a report on 340B program growth. Ted highlights provider advocates' criticisms of the report and why they believe it misses the mark.

Appeals Courts Hear Arguments in Key 340B-Related Cases

Will breaks down a trio of oral arguments that recently took place in federal appeals courts over drug industry challenges to state 340B contract pharmacy access laws. The hearings centered on whether the 340B statute's silence on drug delivery allows states to pass contract pharmacy access measures, and the judges asked tough questions of all parties. Shannon provides an update on recent oral arguments in a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals case surrounding a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rule which could affect some hospitals' 340B program eligibility. A group of Texas hospitals have challenged the rule. A Texas federal District Court in 2024 declared it "unlawful" and halted its enforcement. HHS appealed the decision.

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This week's episode is sponsored by CompassRx, the premier AI services platform built exclusively for 340B. Harnessing pharmacy and AI expertise, CompassRx helps maximize 340B savings and operational efficiency. Visit CompassRx.com to learn more.

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.

Listen to our newest podcast 340B Leaders Upfront

We encourage you to check out 340B Report's new business area podcast, 340B Leaders Upfront, formerly 340B 360°, hosted by Anna Mangum. In the latest episode, Anna interviews two of the leaders of Plenful, an AI service provider company that is providing very cost-effective and highly beneficial services for the 340B provider community.

In this episode, Ted Slafsky, publisher and CEO of 340B Report, and Will Newton, associate editor and senior writer at 340B Report, break down the latest in 340B news, including concerns over the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) controversial 340B rebate pilot program and a new hospital Medicare reclassification trend that is alarming some rural health advocates. Next, they're joined by Colleen Meiman, a senior policy advisor to state primary care associations, to discuss the incredible life and legacy of Sue Veer, a nationally recognized 340B advocate and educator who passed away last week.

Key Topics Covered:

HRSA Posts Rebate FAQ, Federal Court Extends Rebate Appeal Deadlines

Will discusses HRSA's recently published FAQ that clarifies parts of its contentious 340B rebate pilot program. Then, he explains why a major hospital trade group is urging the agency to abandon the rebate pilot altogether. Will also shares recent updates in the drug industry's litigation challenging HRSA's authority to pre-approve rebates.

Rural Health Advocates Alarmed by Hospital Reclassification Trend

Will discusses an emerging trend in which some large urban hospitals are reclassifying as rural under the Medicare program. This gives them access to benefits designed for rural providers, including higher Medicare payments and a lower 340B eligibility threshold. Will explains why some rural health advocates are concerned this could deplete rural resources and bring negative scrutiny to the 340B program. Ted also discusses the myriad financial challenges hospitals are facing, including recently enacted steep Medicaid cuts that could threaten 340B eligibility for many.

A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of 340B Champion Sue Veer

Special guest Colleen Meiman joins the team to mourn the loss of the late Sue Veer and honor her incredible legacy as a nationally respected 340B program advocate and educator. Colleen shares the incredibly powerful story of why Sue began her career in health care, as well as her close personal relationship with Sue. Next, Ted and Colleen discuss Sue's omnipresence in the 340B space, including her various roles with national provider organizations and reputation as a "straight shooter" respected by all sides of the 340B debate., Colleen also shares a few fun stories about Sue unbeknownst to many.

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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. Visit RxParadigm to learn more.

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.

Listen to our newest podcast 340B Leaders Upfront

We encourage you to check out 340B Report's new business area podcast, 340B Leaders Upfront, formerly 340B 360°, hosted by Anna Mangum. In the latest episode, Anna interviews two of the leaders of Plenful, an AI service provider company that is providing very cost-effective and highly beneficial services for the 340B provider community.