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What is 340B, and why does it matter for Minnesota hospitals?
The bill would make Minnesota’s 340B enforcement permanent as hospitals say the program brought $1.34 billion in savings in 2024.
- Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation, SF 3769/HF 3609, to enforce compliance with the 340B program, which allows qualifying medical facilities to buy prescription medications from pharmaceutical companies at a discount.
- Established in 1992, the 340B program allows qualifying healthcare providers to buy medications at a discount, using savings to support financially draining services like behavioral health and dialysis.
- PhRMA spokesperson Reid Porter claims the program fails to lower costs and drives nearly $158 million in higher employer health care spending in Minnesota in 2024, while Rachelle Schultz, CEO of Winona Health, says the program is essential for hospital sustainability.
- The proposed bill would make current state protections permanent and grant the Attorney General enforcement power to penalize manufacturers restricting 340B drug deliveries to contract pharmacies.
- With less than two weeks remaining in the 2026 regular session, Minnesota Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, the bill's chief House author, said it is possible the legislation will reach DFL Gov. Tim Walz's desk.
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What is 340B, and why does it matter for Minnesota hospitals?
WINONA, Minn. — As U.S. healthcare costs, overall, increase each year, Rachelle Schultz, president and CEO of Winona Health, knows that pharmaceutical spending is her health system's fastest growing expense — as much as a 30% year-over-year. One point of relief, though, is Winona Health's participation in the federal 340B drug pricing program. That can look like the hospital buying a stroke treatment drug, which typically costs $7,000, for less …
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left0Leaning Right8Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Right
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Right
73% Right
C 27%
R 73%
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