On the Hill: 340B Hearing on Program Growth Amid Historic Shutdown

The federal government remains closed as the shutdown enters its fourth week, constituting the longest full shutdown in United States history. Republicans continue to urge a clean continuing resolution (CR), while Democrats are pushing to include an extension of the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies. Some anticipate the release of rate notices in all 50 states by November 1 could serve as a key pressure point to drive negotiations toward a resolution. Extending the ACA tax subsidies is estimated to be costly and is quietly prompting discussions among lawmakers about potential offsets to fund the extension.

340B Hearing

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing, titled, "The 340B Program: Examining Its Growth and Impact on Patients," on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 10 am ET. Witnesses include Michelle Rosenberg, director of health care for the U.S. Government Accountability Office; Aditi Sen, Ph.D., chief health policy studies unit for the Congressional Budget Office; and William Feldman, MD, DPhil, MPH, physician and health policy researcher at the University of California.

The association will be submitting a statement and is communicating with offices about the value of the program to member hospitals and the communities they serve.

Committee Activity This Week

The Senate is in session all week; the House has once again cancelled its scheduled session from Monday to Thursday.

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