Maine legislators are considering a bill that would forbid drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers from placing constraints on the 340B drug discount program, centralmaine.com reported April 14.
One of the constraints being targeted would forbid drug companies from restricting which pharmacies participate in the program.
Hospitals argue that drug companies have been exploiting loopholes in the federal law in order to restrict participating in the program, while the pharmaceutical industry says hospitals are exploiting the program to overcharge for drugs and keep the savings.
The 340B program creates about $300 million in savings annually for Maine healthcare providers, according to the report. Currently, more than 30 states have passed 340B regulations, and several include reforms that prohibit limits on pharmacy contracts.
