Issue Brief: State-Level Policy Solution to Reduce Costs for 340B Patients
340B State Policy Recommendation
This issue brief explores the effects of a potential sliding fee scale policy, adjusting patient cost-sharing to either eliminate or charge a nominal fee for drugs dispensed by 340B covered entities based on the patient’s insurance type and income. The results, reported at the state level, reveal significant savings from a sliding fee scale policy for low income privately insured and uninsured patients receiving care at 340B hospitals.
Key insights include:
- 340B program overview: Despite the growth of the program and intent to lower cost for patients, out-of-pocket drug costs for 340B patients are significantly higher than non-340B patients.
- Analysis results: The implementation of a sliding fee scale policy for 340B patients could decrease their out-of-pocket costs by more than 90%, depending on their insurance type and income.
- Policy considerations: In addition to a sliding fee scale policy, policymaker should consider other legislative efforts to ensure the 340B program is meeting its intended goal to reduce out-of-pocket costs for the nation’s most vulnerable patients.
Download the issue brief to learn more about the sliding fee scale policy analysis and potential effects on 340B patient out-of-pocket costs.
