Institute staff advocate to protect prescription drug program in Albany

On Monday, January 12, several Institute staff joined the Community Health Center Association of New York State (CHCANYS) in Albany to meet with elected officials and advocate for legislation that protects an important prescription drug affordability program.

This program, known as the 340B pharmacy program, allows patients to access prescription medication at significantly reduced costs. Under this program, health care providers such as community health centers can purchase discounted medications and reinvest the savings into patient care. However, since 2020, some pharmaceutical manufacturers have restricted or denied access to 340B pricing, reducing the savings that community health centers depend on to support patient care. Many manufacturers now prohibit 340B pricing at contract pharmacies, limiting patients’ ability to access affordable medications.

There is legislation before the New York State legislature to protect the 340B program, known as the 340B Prescription Drug Anti-Discrimination Act (A.6222 Paulin/S.1913 Rivera). Protecting this vital program will help patients at the Institute and many other health centers access the medications they need.