MORE THAN 4,700 PHYSICIANS ASK CONGRESS TO PROTECT IMPORTANT DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM

MORE THAN 4,700 PHYSICIANS ASK CONGRESS TO PROTECT IMPORTANT DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM

Washington, D.C.— More than 4,700 physicians at safety-net hospitals across America have signed a letter to the Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress underscoring the importance of the 340B drug pricing program to their underserved patients and communities. The letter comes as the drug industry is pushing to place significant restrictions on the program.

"Since we work at safety-net hospitals, we see a disproportionate case load of poorer and sicker patients than other providers," the doctors wrote. "These individuals often have nowhere else to turn for medical help."

The doctors said the money their hospitals save on prescription drugs by participating in 340B "allows us to provide free and reduced-cost medications to the underserved. It also makes it possible for us to fund neighborhood clinics and provide personalized service and quality clinical support to our patients."

The letter was addressed to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and delivered today.

The letter includes the signatures of a number of prominent oncologists including Robert Chapman, M.D., Director of the Josephine Ford Cancer Institute at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Mich., and John Sweetenham, M.D., Senior Director of Clinical Affairs and Executive Medical Director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Henry Ford Health System provides $316 million in uncompensated care to its large, low-income patient population. “If 340B were cut back, it would negatively impact our ability to treat the underserved,” said Dr. Chapman. Dr. Sweetenham added, “My message to Congress is simple: 340B is a lifeline for many of my patients. It needs to be protected.”

For more information, visit www.340bhealth.org