With the historic national health reform initiative now a reality, 340B stakeholders turn to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other federal agencies to see how the many changes to the 340B program will be implemented. Federal guidance in areas such as increased enforcement of the program, how 340B providers can bill Medicaid and what drugs fall under the orphan drug category are being drafted right now by regulators.
At the same time, the 340B program is experiencing unprecedented attention in Congress. The U.S. Government Accountability Office, Congress’s watchdog agency, is conducting its first ever study of the program. Legislation to expand the program to the hospital inpatient setting, which was included in the health reform bill but removed at the last minute, remains a top priority for hospitals and legislation has already been enacted to reverse the first ever restriction on the types of outpatient drugs available to 340B providers. All of this comes under the backdrop of a sweeping change in the composition of Congress as over 90 new members of Congress come to Washington and Republicans take the reins in the U.S. House of Representatives with the goal of repealing and replacing the health care reform law.
It is critical that all parties impacted by this $6 billion program—including covered entities, pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry and federal, state and local governments—stay informed and play a role in shaping the future of the 340B program. There is no better way to accomplish this than to attend the 7th Annual 340B Coalition Winter Conference. You will learn from all of the key players involved in the 340B program, including high level Administration officials and key representatives from 340B advocacy organizations and industry.
In addition to the focus on the policy changes in the 340B program, there will also be an increased emphasis on providing you with hands-on, practical advice to help you with program implementation. If you are a health care provider or other covered entity, you will learn innovative strategies to reduce costs and improve care. If you work for a pharmaceutical company or other pharmacy related business, you will learn how to comply with a host of new regulations and have an opportunity to network directly with your customers and prospective customers.
This year, there will be opportunities to participate in small breakout sessions to get the advice you need and to share ideas with others. In addition, we will be hosting a breakout session exclusively for retail pharmacies and other sectors of the drug industry looking to contract or expand contracts with 340B covered entities.
There will also be special pre-conference workshops providing an introduction to 340B as well as a half day focused on patient assistance programs. Click here for a list of conference highlights and here for a preliminary agenda. |
