When this letter originally ran in The 69 on April 15, it was inadvertently cut off at the end. We're rerunning it in its entirety.
Access to life-saving medications shouldn’t be up for debate. Yet, for many in Wisconsin, quality healthcare is not guaranteed. As someone reliant on several prescriptions, struggling to have constant access at an affordable rate can be debilitating and exhausting.
The 340B Drug Pricing Program, established in 1992, was designed to help patients access affordable treatments by allowing hospitals to purchase medications at discounted rates. However, some hospitals have exploited the program for profit, driving up medical costs and making medications harder to access for many.
The program requires drug companies to sell discounted medications to safety-net hospitals, rural health facilities, and other providers serving underserved communities. With proper oversight, 340B could significantly improve health outcomes in Wisconsin and beyond. Without reform, it will continue to fall short of its purpose, leaving many struggling to afford critical treatments.
Hospitals have been operating the 340B Program to profit off prescriptions, primarily impacting vulnerable populations such as low-income patients. This has led to increased medical debt by robbing patients of their savings.
In Wisconsin, 81% of the 340B hospitals are below the national average for charity care levels. Charitable care is free or reduced-cost care provided to qualifying patients. Nationally, nonprofit hospitals tend to spend less on charitable care than they gain from tax breaks, and Wisconsin is above the national average. We are calling on Wisconsin lawmakers and leaders to help instill change.
Leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin have made huge efforts to reform the 340B Program, and we are hopeful that more will follow suit. Baldwin is a member of the ‘Senate Gang of Six,’ a bipartisan group of senators who have advocated for its reform. These six Senators have emphasized the importance of “clarity, transparency, and accountability in the 340B program” and are working hard to ensure that “the program remains strong, long into the future.”
Reforming the 340B program back to its original intent will enhance the lives of individuals like me all over Wisconsin. With increased access, patients can focus on managing their health rather than affording their next medication.
Moving forward, we want to hold Wisconsin hospitals accountable with the help of our senators and health advocates. We urge our leaders to serve the people of Wisconsin, reform the 340B program, and as a result improve health outcomes for all.
DEBBIE VINE
President, Wisconsin State Grange, Janesville
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