Representative Holmes Introduces Bill to Improve Ohio's 340B Program

COLUMBUS—State Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) recently introduced House Bill 276, legislation to make improvements to the state’s 340B program, ensuring access to affordable prescription medications.

A few provisions highlighted by Rep. Holmes are as follows:

• Prohibits manufacturers of dangerous drugs, repackagers of dangerous drugs, and third-party logistics providers from limiting the acquisition of a 340B drug by or delivery of a 340B drug to a 340B grantee, with certain exceptions; 
• Requires a 340B grantee to submit any claims or utilization data as a condition for allowing the acquisition of a 340B drug by or delivery of a 340B drug to a 340B grantee; and 
• Requires health plan issuers to disclose certain data and information as outlined under the bill on drugs covered under a related health benefit plan upon request of a covered person, the covered person's health care provider, or the third-party representative.

The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to purchase prescription medications at significantly reduced prices and provide discounted outpatient 340B medications to eligible patients. 

“The FQHC’s are critical components of the medical infrastructure in Appalachian Ohio,” said Holmes. “Our intent is to allow the FQHC’s to use the 340b drug program as intended.”