About Prescription Drug Pricing
Prescription drugs should be affordable — but patients increasingly face challenges getting medication at fair prices. California’s hospitals are committed to ensuring the availability of lifesaving and life-changing medication. More than 180 California hospitals participate in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which provides discount drugs to low-income patients, while many others participate in group purchasing organizations to lower costs. Solutions to rising drug prices must address drivers of cost, like supply shortages and lack of competition, and increase transparency for drug manufacturers.
CHA Outlines Year-End Federal Legislative Health Care Priorities
What’s happening: In a Nov. 18 letter to the California congressional delegation, CHA outlined legislative priorities for the remainder of the 118th Congress — which must act by Dec. 20 to fund the federal government.
What else to know: It is likely that some health care extensions and policies could be a part of Congress’ funding package.
Keep an Eye on Your Inbox for Key Election Results
Election Day is just five days away, and the outcome will have significant consequences for our nation, California, and the state’s health care system. The result of the presidential race alone could lead to significant changes in health care policy across the board.
Johnson & Johnson Halts Proposed 340B Rebate Model
What’s happening: Johnson & Johnson will stop its plan that would have required hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program to purchase Stelara and Xarelto at full price and apply for a rebate instead of receiving full discounts upfront.
What else to know: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) notified J&J it would be kicked out of the 340B Drug Pricing Program if it did not halt implementation.
Hospitals’ Commitment to Communities Stronger than Ever
In communities throughout our state, Californians instinctively know one thing: Their local hospital is part of the fabric of their lives. The daily miracles that hospitals perform — lifesaving emergency surgeries, cancer care, premature baby deliveries, and more — are what many are reminded of when they think of their local hospital. But there’s so […]
Ask Reps. to Sign Letter Opposing 340B Program Changes
What’s happening: A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives is leading a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra about efforts by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to undermine the 340B Drug Discount Program.
What else to know: Hospital leaders should call or email their U.S. representative and urge them to sign on to the letter by Sept. 27.
Hospitals Should Encourage Reps. to Sign Letter Opposing 340B Program Changes
What’s happening: A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives is leading a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra about efforts by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to undermine the 340B Drug Discount Program.
What else to know: The deadline for signatures is expected to be extended but since the House could go out of session at any time, it’s urgent to ask your representative to sign now.
CHA Urges Hospitals to Invite Members of Congress to Visit
What’s happening: CHA issued an alert encouraging members to meet with their representatives to discuss key issues like the 340B Drug Pricing Program, financial instability, prior authorization, rural health care, disproportionate share hospital payment cuts, and site-neutral payment policies.
What else to know: Members of Congress will be back in their districts for the entire month of October. These visits will not only strengthen relationships, but also help educate and inform your representative ahead of critical health care policy votes in December.
California Rural Hospitals Invited to AHA Town Hall
What’s happening: The American Hospital Association (AHA) Region 9 will hold a virtual Rural Advocacy Town Hall on Oct. 9, 10-11 a.m. (PT) through Microsoft Teams. Region 9 includes California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific territories.
What else to know: The call will be led by AHA’s rural advocacy experts in Washington, D.C.: Travis Robey, vice president, political affairs, and Shannon Wu, PhD, director, payment policy. Susan Doherty, vice president for field engagement and rural health segment lead, will also join. All CHA member hospitals with membership in the AHA are welcome to register.
Eye on Washington — Health Care in Spotlight as Congress Reconvenes
With less than two months before America selects its next president, Congress has returned to Washington, D.C., to consider a federal funding plan, with action required before Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown. Given it is an election year, a shutdown is unlikely, and Congress will need to take temporary actions to keep programs operating.
Update on 2022 Outpatient PPS and Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rules Participant Information
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its calendar year (CY) 2022 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule on July 19. CMS estimates that Medicare expenditures under OPPS will increase by $1.35 billion based on changes in the proposed rule. CMS also issued its calendar year (CY) 2022 physician fee schedule (PFS) proposed rule on July 13. CHA is hosting a members-only webinar to discuss updates to these proposed rules […]