Robert Suttle, a healthcare commentator, has raised concerns about the misuse of 340B revenues by hospitals while patients continue to face high healthcare costs. He has called for full transparency from providers. Suttle’s statement was made on the social media platform X.
“Patients are struggling now more than ever to afford the cost of healthcare,” said Suttle. “Hospitals are using 340B revenues to add water features to their lobbies. Demand complete 340B transparency from all eligible providers.”
The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program is currently at the center of a significant debate in U.S. health policy. According to reports, disputes have intensified among drugmakers, hospitals, and policymakers over issues of transparency and patient benefits. Lawmakers and regulators are considering reforms that include greater reporting requirements and limits on contract pharmacies. Concerns have been raised that hospitals may be generating substantial revenue without ensuring that savings are passed on to patients. Analysts from the Commonwealth Fund argue that the lack of visibility into 340B revenues is driving bipartisan calls for reform.
Recent polling highlights affordability as a major barrier to healthcare access in the United States. According to KFF, in 2025, 36% of adults reported delaying or skipping care due to cost, with three-quarters of uninsured adults under 65 included in this statistic. Even among those with insurance, 37% reported going without care because of cost, and 20% left prescriptions unfilled.
Georgia’s 340B program includes 57 participating hospitals with over 1,000 contracts with pharmacies nationwide. However, only a small proportion of these contract pharmacies are located in medically underserved areas, raising questions about whether the program effectively reaches its intended beneficiaries. Additionally, many participating hospitals provide charity care below the national average, which calls into question their alignment with the program’s original mission.
Suttle is also known as an HIV justice advocate who has worked extensively on issues related to decriminalization, equity, and patient rights. He served on the Board of Directors of the ADAP Advocacy Association from 2015 to 2017 while working as assistant director of the Sero Project—a national organization focused on HIV criminalization reform. His advocacy emphasizes access to care and patient protections.
