U.S. Senator John Boozman announced on May 15 that he has joined the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, replacing former Senator Markwayne Mullin. The group consists of lawmakers dedicated to supporting the program that offers discounts on outpatient drugs to certain nonprofit health care providers, hospitals, and clinics.
The 340B program is considered important for hospitals and clinics in Arkansas and other states because it helps vulnerable patients access prescriptions while allowing providers to use savings for additional services in their communities. “The 340B program is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping vulnerable patients access prescriptions while empowering providers to put savings toward additional services and care in their communities,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join the bipartisan coalition in the Senate leading the effort to protect and strengthen it. We look forward to advancing solutions that support this essential resource and provide confidence and certainty to participants.”
Members of the working group welcomed Boozman’s participation. “We are pleased to welcome Sen. Boozman to the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, which exists to further the shared goal of strengthening the 340B program to maintain its long-term viability. The 340B program fulfills a critical purpose of keeping costs low for eligible health care providers and the patients they serve. The Working Group has made significant progress throughout the years, and now joined by Sen. Boozman, we look forward to continuing our work together on solutions to support this important program,” said Senators Jerry Moran, Tammy Baldwin, Shelley Moore Capito, John Hickenlooper, and Tim Kaine.
The working group has been active for more than ten years with members committed to sustaining the program’s future. In recent congressional sessions, they have sought feedback from stakeholders about improving transparency within the program through bipartisan policy proposals.
Looking ahead, members say they will continue incorporating input from stakeholders into legislation designed to clarify rules around eligibility while ensuring accountability so that resources reach intended patients.
