Wittman Comments on 340B Drug Pricing Program

Below is the text from a note from Rob Wittman to his constituents in the 1st District.

Friend-

I believe Congress must work to improve the affordability of the nation’s health care system. As such, part of my work here in Washington is focused on ensuring Virginian’s have access to affordable healthcare.

I wanted to update you on my work regarding the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This program gives discounts to eligible hospitals and other healthcare providers on prescription medications. Rural hospitals, in our district and across the country, depend on savings from this program to help provide care to low-income, rural, and underserved populations.

That’s why I recently co-sponsored H.R. 4392. This bipartisan legislation reserves a rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cut the 340B program. Earlier this year, I also joined 228 of my colleagues in the House on a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma requesting that CMS abandon this proposal.

The 340B program is critical to maintaining rural hospitals’ ability to expand access to lifesaving prescription drugs that otherwise might not be affordable. Rural hospitals have been closing at an alarming rate, and it is imperative that this program continues in its full capacity to best serve the needs of Virginia’s First District and the American people.

Cuts to this program would hinder the ability of our hospitals to do what they do best and put our most vulnerable at risk. I firmly believe that 340B is a necessary and beneficial program supporting hospitals across our district. I hope to see this bipartisan legislation move through the legislative process and look forward to supporting it should the bill come to the House floor.

Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you comes before the House of Representatives.

It’s an honor to serve you and Virginia’s First District in the People’s House.

Sincerely,

Rob