subject: What You Need To Know About 340b Eligibility [print this page] The current 340b drug pricing program allows eligible health care facilities to obtain prescription drugs for their patients at reduced rates. However, 340b eligibility is restricted to certain types of facilities.
Facilities that hold 340b eligibility include those that normally serve a high percentage of indigent patients. Disproportionate share hospitals are one example. In order to be eligible, the facility must be able to show a significant number of its patients have Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or are covered by other government assistance. Sole Community Hospitals and many health clinics are also eligible.
This eligibility is also extended to various health facilities that serve specific groups. Some examples are the urban Indian population, Native Hawaiians, AIDS programs, black lung programs, cancer hospitals, and family planning clinics. A family planning center that is funded by the state is not eligible to participate in the program.
Facilities wishing to participate must begin by registering with the Office of Pharmacy Affairs. Facilities are not covered until they are registered. An online registration form, along with information about the program, is available at the Health Resources and Service Administration website. The facility must inform the drug manufacturer or wholesaler of its participation in the discount program when placing its order.
There are quarterly deadlines for registration. The deadlines are the 1st of December, March, June, and September.
If your facility is covered by the 340 b program, you must be sure to keep your relevant information current. If the name of your facility changes, you need to notify the OPA of the change. This can be done by completing and submitting the 340b Participant Change Form.
Health care facilities that participate in this program can save between 20% and 50% on pharmaceutical products. This includes medications prescribed for patients on an outpatient basis. When a facility is eligible for such sizable discounts, it can pass the savings on to its patients.
If you have any questions about whether a particular health facility is eligible, you can contact the Pharmacy Services Support Center. They can also provide basic program support to facilities that are already participating in the 340b program.
