Cotton, Boozman Support Legislation to Protect Arkansas Hospitals Participating in Drug Discount Program

Press Release

Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) are supporting legislation to help Arkansas hospitals participate in the 340B drug discount program.

The 340B drug pricing program gives more than 40 Arkansas medical facilities access to lower prescription drug prices. But the coronavirus has caused many facilities to fall below the inpatient threshold required to remain in the program. Many hospitals were forced to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program.

The legislation the senators are supporting, S.773, would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred.

"The 340B program allows Arkansas hospitals to stretch resources to provide care for those in underserved areas. This bill will ensure rural hospitals can continue offering essential services and treatments to those most vulnerable, even though the pandemic has affected admission rates," said Cotton.

"One of the top concerns I've heard from the Arkansas medical community is the need to protect the 340B drug pricing program. Extending eligibility to this lifeline is a commonsense step to ensure our hospitals and health care providers have the resources they need to care for low-income patients," said Boozman.

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