Washington State Bill Targets Federal Drug Pricing Program
Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
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Show Notes
Washington states House Appropriations Committee advances Senate Bill 5981, targeting the federal 340B drug pricing program. The bill aims to prevent drug makers and third parties from restricting access to discounted drugs for hospitals and clinics, which currently buy meds cheap and charge full price to patients. The program has grown to $81 billion, making it the second biggest federal drug program. The bill also prohibits data-sharing requirements and imposes reporting fees on hospitals and manufacturers. Critics argue its a cash grab for one big Seattle hospital system, while supporters claim it protects safety net providers. Republican Representative Matt Marshall from Eatonville led the opposition, citing the states lack of authority and the programs expansion into wealthy areas. Recent studies show 340B hospitals overcharged public employee plans by $1.8 billion nationwide, with Washington markups reaching 131%. Lawmakers worry about potential lawsuits and court battles over federal supremacy. The bill still needs full House approval before heading to the governor.
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