How to Lower Health Costs and Improve Access

In April, members of Congress questioned hospital CEOs about the rising cost of health care — and particularly criticized them for abusing a federal charity program.

That criticism is warranted. But harsh words don’t actually bring down the cost of care for patients.

It’s time for lawmakers to tighten the rules around that program, so that it helps the vulnerable patients it was designed to serve. 

Congress created the 340B program with good intentions. The program allows hospitals and clinics that serve large numbers of vulnerable patients to purchase medicines from drug manufacturers at a discounted price. Lawmakers expected these safety-net facilities to either pass the discounts on to patients, or use the savings to provide more charity care to underserved communities

Read more: https://www.thewellnews.com/opinions/how-to-lower-health-costs-and-improve-access/