Mark Storey, Radiation Oncologist at the Oklahoma Proton Center, said the 340B Drug Pricing Program is being used by large institutions to suppress competition and should be reviewed at the federal level. The statement was made on X.
“340b used to be a good program,” said Storey. “In rural places – maybe still on balance at times. But often it is used as a consolidation tool by large institutions to kill competition in the market. Needs to be addressed at fed level”
According to 340B Health, the 340B Drug Pricing Program was established by Congress in 1992 to allow eligible healthcare providers to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. The program enables covered entities to stretch limited federal resources and serve vulnerable populations. Eligible entities include certain hospitals, community health centers, and specialized clinics.
A 2024 report by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions found that prices at large 340B hospitals were 35% higher on average for common outpatient services compared to non-340B hospitals. The report estimated an additional $36 billion in annual healthcare costs for employers. These results were based on claims data from over 25 million workers and their families.
PhRMA reported that Georgia’s 340B program includes 57 participating hospitals, which maintain over 1,000 contracts with pharmacies nationwide. However, only a small proportion of these contract pharmacies are located in medically underserved areas, raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness in reaching its intended beneficiaries. Additionally, a significant share of participating hospitals in Georgia provide charity care below the national average, further questioning the program’s alignment with its original intent of supporting vulnerable populations.
Dr. Mark R. Storey is a board-certified radiation oncologist at the Oklahoma Proton Center, where he specializes in proton therapy for treating various cancers. He has extensive experience in the field and is committed to improving patient outcomes through advanced radiation treatment options. He completed his residency at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
