Congress may be back in session with its usual flurry of activity, but amidst the headline-grabbing debates over government funding and immigration, there’s a quieter but potentially more impactful battle brewing—one that could have serious ramifications for healthcare in communities across the nation.
At the center of this debate is a bipartisan group of senators, informally dubbed the “Gang of Six,” who are quietly working on potential changes to the 340B drug pricing program. On the Republican side, Senators John Thune (SD), Jerry Moran (KS), and Shelley Capito (WV) have joined their Democratic colleagues, Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI), Ben Cardin (MD), and Tammy Baldwin (WI), in tackling the future of this crucial program.
For those unfamiliar, the 340B program allows hospitals and healthcare providers in low-income and rural areas to purchase medications at discounted prices…
