STAT+: State attorneys general urge HHS to penalize drug makers for cutting discounts to hospitals
More than two dozen state attorneys general are urging federal authorities to fine several large drug makers for curtailing the discounts they offer through a federal program for safety-net hospitals.
The state officials are concerned about the viability of the 340B drug discount program, which requires drug makers to offer discounts estimated to be 25% to 50% — but which can be much higher — on all outpatient drugs to hospitals and clinics serving low-income populations. There are about 12,400 so-called covered entities, including 2,500 hospitals, in the program.
