Reference no: EM133765437
Assignment: Insights into the 340B Pharmacy Program
I. What did you learn from the question post links that you did not know
I was not aware of the 340B pharmacy program until I read the face sheet containing the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
The 340B Drug pricing program helps financially to the hospitals that serve vulnerable populations and communities to manage prescription drug costs. In Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, the pharmaceutical manufacturers who are participating in Medicaid have to provide outpatient drugs to healthcare organizations who is rendering services to uninsured and low-income patients at discounted rates. The organizations that follow the 340b program include federal grantee organizations, hospitals such as critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, rural referral centers, and public, nonprofit disproportionate share hospitals. The services provided under this program are free care for the uninsured, offering free vaccines, services in mental health clinics, implementing medication management, and community health programs in vulnerable communities. With this program, people can save up to 25% to 50% on pharmaceutical purchases. American Hospital Association (AHA) protects this program for all providers for their continued support and comprehensive services to the patient. AHA supports to expansion of the 340B program to many vulnerable communities by supporting investor-owned hospitals.
AHA supports the integrity of the program by supporting the providers and manufacturers to adhere to the rules and regulations.340B eligible hospitals provide additional benefits and care to their communities including children, cancer, and rural populations, and are considered a safety net. It is a small program with greater benefits and communities can access lifesaving care in the hospital who has this program. It is not a rebate program. 340B hospitals are required to be transparent by following AHA Good Stewardship Principles. (Fact Sheet: The 340B Drug Pricing Program, n.d.)
II. Did you find any 340b pharmacies around your home?
Yes, the City of Hope, University of California Irvine Health, and Children's Hospital of Orange County pharmacies have a 340B program to provide medication at discounted rates.
III. Do you know anyone who accesses 340b drugs?
No, I am not aware of anyone who access the 340B drugs. In the hospital, heard from the patient that they have a prescription program. I will ask about this program if any patient has challenges obtaining prescription drugs.
IV. What are some other ways that can help patients save money on prescriptions?
Discount cards- Many organizations such as AAA offer drug discount card, which offers some discounts on purchasing drugs using
Insurance.
Switching to generic drugs can save money.
Splitting the medication dosage by considering the price of the money compared with the normal dosage ordered will save some money on prescriptions (Vorvick,L, 2022).
Coupon- Online coupons, prescriber coupons, first month free, or discounted coupons are the best way to save money on prescriptions.
Patient assistance programs by pharmaceutical companies to help uninsured individuals.
Ordering medications such as Websites and mobile applications show options for low-cost medications instead of high-priced medications with the same generic name. (Delavar et al., 2022)
Free drug samples are most beneficial for the patients. (Alagha & Fugh-Berman, 2022)
V. List two websites where you can find drug pricing or help patients receive discount drug pricing at the pharmacy.