340B DRUG DENIAL; PROHIBIT S.B. 1179:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 1179 (as reported without amendment)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Public Health code to prohibit a drug manufacturer, wholesaler, or wholesale distributor-broker from limiting a 340B Program entity's access to drugs covered under the Federal 340B Program.
BRIEF RATIONALE
The Federal 340B Drug Pricing Program requires manufacturers that participate in Medicaid to sell certain drugs at reduced prices. According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Oversight, over 87 of the State's hospitals are part of the Program, but reportedly fewer pharmacies can contract with hospitals, which leads to a decrease in the Program's benefits that affects the services 340B Program hospitals can offer. Some believe that prohibiting drug manufacturers or wholesalers from limiting access to 340B Program entities would enable the Program to continue helping Medicaid users.
Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 12-16-24 Fiscal Analyst: Nathan Leaman
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.