Otto: As nurses fight for patients, 340B reform needed

The recent editorial from faith leaders about the 340B drug-pricing program speaks to the urgent need for reforms to this critical, safety net initiative (“Compassionate health care starts with 340B”).

The program’s growth, while representative of the expanding health care needs of our community, underscores the urgency for increased transparency and accountability. As the piece points out, the sheer volume of 340B discounts, reaching $125 billion in 2023, necessitates clear guidelines to guarantee that these savings directly benefit patients.

As frontline health care providers, nurses recognize that this federal program needs action from our congressional delegation — Democratic Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride — to champion reforms that:

• Create transparency in how 340B savings support patient care
• Ensure that discounts directly reduce patient medication costs
• Support hospitals in expanding charitable care programs
• Establish clear guidelines for program implementation

These changes are essential to bring the 340B program back to its “original mission” of providing affordable medications to those in need.

Nurses know, too well, the impact that high prescription drug costs have on patients and their health. Medication regime adherence, reduced symptom burden and long-term health consequences are just a few examples of how patients are impacted by too-high prescription drug costs. Nurses are advocating that 340B reform happens, so we can ensure that patients are the ones benefiting from it.

The call for collaboration between health care providers, policymakers and faith leaders, along with other social advocates, is particularly important. We must foster dialogue and work together to guarantee that the program’s benefits reach those who need them most.

As rising health care costs continue to stretch thin the resources of our most vulnerable community members, the time for action is now. I urge all Delawareans to contact our congressional delegation and support thoughtful reform that strengthens both our health care institutions and their ability to serve those in need.

Christopher E. Otto

Executive director, Delaware Nurses Association

Newark

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.