As faith leaders in Delaware, we are called to advocate for efforts that serve our most vulnerable neighbors. The 340B drug-pricing program, created in 1992, embodies this mission by helping safety net providers deliver affordable medicines to those in need. While our health care institutions strive to serve their communities, this well-intentioned initiative needs thoughtful reform to better fulfill its sacred purpose.
The program’s growth reflects the expanding health care needs of our communities. In 2023, 340B drug discounts reached $125 billion, demonstrating their significant role. However, without clear guidelines ensuring that these savings reach patients directly, we risk missing opportunities to help those most in need of lifesaving medications. The complexity of drug pricing and distribution systems often obscures the path between discounts and patient benefits, making it difficult to measure 340B’s direct impact on those it aims to serve.
Our health care providers face complex challenges in delivering care, while maintaining financial stability. Many struggle to balance rising operational costs with their commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Yet, as faith leaders, we must ask: How can we better align this program with its original mission of serving the vulnerable? How can we ensure that financial stewardship and patient care work in harmony?
The current system allows for varied interpretation of how 340B savings should be utilized. While many institutions direct these resources toward valuable community health initiatives, there is no standardized requirement for reporting how these funds benefit patients. This lack of uniformity can lead to inconsistent outcomes across different health care settings and communities.
Delaware’s congressional delegation — Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester and Rep. Sarah McBride, all Democrats — can help strengthen this vital program through reforms that:
As people of faith, we are called to protect the most vulnerable. Our religious traditions teach us that healing and compassionate care are sacred responsibilities. The faith community can play a unique role in this conversation by fostering dialogue between health care providers and patients, hosting educational forums about health care access and encouraging constructive engagement with policymakers about improving care delivery.
This isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about working together to better serve our communities. Health care providers, policymakers and faith leaders can collaborate to ensure that the 340B program fulfills its original promise of helping those who cannot help themselves. We must acknowledge that, while the initiative has grown significantly, this growth should be accompanied by enhanced accountability measures that ensure that its benefits reach those most in need.
We invite all Delawareans who care about health care accessibility to join this important conversation. Contact our congressional delegation to support thoughtful reform that strengthens both our health care institutions and their ability to serve those most in need. The time for meaningful change is now, as rising medical costs continue to burden our most vulnerable community members.
Through prayer, advocacy and collaborative action, we can help restore 340B’s founding vision of compassionate, accessible health care for all. Let us work together to ensure this vital program continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those struggling to access the care they desperately need.
Pramod Mathur
Hindu author and congregation leader, Hindu Temple of Delaware
Hockessin
Dr. Denise Billen-Mejia
The Rev. Patrick Burke
Rector, The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew
Wilmington
Irfan Patel
Islamic faith representative, Delaware Interfaith Council
The Rev. Robert P. Hall
President and CEO, Christian Council of Delmarva
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
