WASHINGTON — Ahead of Thursday’s Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, the Community Access National Network (CANN) is urging lawmakers to focus on restoring the 340B Drug Discount Program’s original intent of improving access to affordable care for vulnerable patients.
“We applaud Chair Cassidy and Senate HELP Committee members for evaluating the 340B program and its impact on patients throughout the country,” said CANN President and CEO Jen Laws. “We already know from Senator Cassidy’s April 2025 report, the Congressional Budget Office’s September 2025 report, and countless investigations over the years that the 340B program is being exploited by massive corporations and no longer serving its original intent.”
Laws emphasized the need for patient-centered reforms and accountability for intermediaries such as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and third-party administrators “operating as 340B profit maximizers.”
“The Senate HELP Committee has an opportunity to take decisive action at a time when Americans are shouldering the brunt of a government shutdown and facing rising premiums and health care costs,” Laws added. “By eliminating profiteering abuses within the 340B program, and passing bipartisan PBM reform legislation, Congress can lower the cost of health care for patients, taxpayers, and consumers across the nation.”
CANN urged the Committee to ensure that patients are represented in the conversation, noting the absence of patient advocates among witnesses scheduled to testify.
“Thursday’s hearing holds incredible promise, but patient-centered interests must be at the forefront,” Laws said. “Holding PBMs accountable and stopping the exploitation of 340B will prove Congress’ commitment to supporting patients and improving all consumers’ access to timely, affordable health care.”
The Community Access National Network (CANN) advocates for affordable and equitable access to healthcare services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis through education, networking, and policy engagement.
