“Thanks to the 340B Program, MHMC is able to help patients with the high cost of drugs so they are not forced to choose between basic necessities - food, housing, clothing - and their health because they cannot afford their prescribed medications. The 340B program has allowed us to provide programs that treat the indigent and vulnerable, and has enabled our patients to access life-saving drugs at an affordable price.” – Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Today, the 340B Matters coalition launched efforts in Illinois to help educate the public, lawmakers, and healthcare providers about the negative impact the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) proposed “mega-guidance” restrictions could have on patients and communities across the state.
The consequences of the proposed restrictions would adversely affect the ability of healthcare providers in Illinois, especially those in rural areas, to care for their patients and cost taxpayers as a result.
The 340B Matters coalition urges Illinois voters to contact their elected representatives and tell them what’s at stake.
Congressman John Shimkus, Member of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee
Contact: https://shimkus.house.gov/contact
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Advocate reinvests the dollars saved from this program to maintain a better continuum of care, improve health outcomes for lower-income patients, and offer other programs that keep patients safe, promote recovery, and reduce readmissions.” – Advocate Health Care
“Overall, any proposed changes that reduce 340B savings will have a significant negative effect on SwedishAmerican's patients, particularly those who are recipients of SwedishAmerican's $41 million in annual charity care. This proposal would substantially inhibit SwedishAmerican's ability to extend services that help these patients afford and adhere to their prescriptions, which substantially improve their overall health outcomes.” – SwedishAmerican Health System
“In FY' 14, Carle provided nearly $39 million in charity care to 31,608 unique individuals. Carle's 340B savings help support the cost of our charity care program and losing these savings would result in a reduction of the overall availability of charity care that Carle offers its patients.” – Carle Foundation
“With the support of the 340B program Open Door will continue to be a safety net provider for underserved people. Any changes in the current definition or intent of the 340B program will jeopardize future plans and put at risk the health and well being of current and future clients.” – Open Door
***NOTE: The above information is derived from public comments filed on regulations.gov in response to HRSA’s proposed mega-guidance. Use here does not imply any affiliation with 340B Matters or endorsement by the entities themselves.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM ILLINOIS
Entity Name |
Mega-Guidance Impact |
Link |
| Advocate Health Care | Has received $5 million in discounts for participating hospitals | https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=HRSA-2015-0002-0322 |
| SwedishAmerican Health System | Provided over $41 million in uncompensated care in 2014 | https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=HRSA-2015-0002-1164 |
| Carle Foundation | Provided $39M in charity care in 2014. Passed on $1,674,634 in patient savings to uninsured patients in 2015 | https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=HRSA-2015-0002-0308 |
| Open Door | Provided funding to cover $380,000 in co-pays for clients in 2014 | https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=HRSA-2015-0002-0126 |
To learn more about the issue visit our website: https://340bmatters.org/
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
