Plain Language Summary
# 340B ACCESS Act Summary The 340B ACCESS Act (HR 5256) would modify the 340B drug pricing program, a federal program that requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer discounted medications to certain healthcare providers—primarily hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies that serve low-income and uninsured patients. The bill aims to adjust how this program operates, though specific details about its provisions aren't included in the available information. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill would primarily affect drug manufacturers, healthcare providers (especially safety-net hospitals and clinics), patients relying on discounted medications, and potentially health insurers.
The 340B program is significant because it helps keep medication costs down for vulnerable populations. Any changes to the program could impact drug pricing, hospital operations, and patient access to affordable medicines, depending on what specific modifications the bill proposes. **Current Status:** The bill is in committee review (as of the 119th Congress). To learn the specific provisions being debated, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov, as the basic information provided here doesn't detail the exact changes being proposed.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.