The U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration launched a long-awaited website for safety-net providers participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program April 1.
The website allows 340B providers to see the maximum amount drug companies can charge under the program. The aim of the website is to ensure hospitals participating in the program are not being overcharged.
Congress mandated that the government calculate and list these ceiling prices after the HHS Office of Inspector General found a series of overcharges in the program.
The website is part of that 340B program final rule. The rule took effect Jan.1 after being delayed five times.
The "launch of a secure website listing the maximum allowable prices for all 340B covered drugs brings a healthy dose of sunshine into a marketplace that has, for far too long, been a black box. Until today, hospitals, clinics, and health centers participating in 340B had no way to be sure they were paying the correct amount for the drugs they purchase," said Maureen Testoni, president and CEO of 340B Health, a lobbying group representing 1,300 hospitals.