STAT+: Trump administration revises rebate pilot for 340B drug discount program, angering hospitals

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has adjusted the guidelines for a pilot program under the 340B Drug Pricing Program, sparking controversy among healthcare facilities. The changes, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, permit pharmaceutical firms to offer "timely" rebates, instead of upfront discounts, to specific hospitals and clinics.

This new approach impacts the program's oversight, aiming to enhance transparency of 340B transactions while maintaining the program's sustainability for patients and communities. Tom Engels, the head of Health Resources and Services Administration, stated, "This revised pilot helps modernize program oversight by improving visibility into 340B transactions while helping preserve the program’s long-term sustainability for the patients and communities it was created to serve."