House File 423: A Bill of Appreciation

Unanimous, bipartisan Iowa support of the recent bill, HF 423, is poised to help maintain the integrity of the 340B program that is critical for ensuring that Iowans, particularly populations seeking healthcare at community health centers and rural areas, can continue access to affordable medications. The bill will be effective July 1, 2023, and will help All Care Health Center continue fulfilling its nonprofit mission to provide affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality healthcare to the entire community.

The 340B Drug Pricing Program, created in 1992, is a United States federal government program that requires drug manufacturers to provide significant discounts, reimbursements, and reduced prices for outpatient drugs to eligible healthcare organizations, many of which are safety-net providers who treat high percentages of uninsured or low-income patients. The program enables certain healthcare providers to stretch scarce resources to reach more eligible patients and to provide more comprehensive services. The 340B program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency provides oversight and conducts audits of covered entities, as well as manufacturers.

All Care Health Center patients come to us seeking equitable primary medical care, mental healthcare, and dental care. Each patient depends upon All Care Health Center to meet their specific health needs, including the need for high-quality prescription medicines to combat comorbidities. All Care dispenses over 20,000 prescriptions annually to vulnerable patients living in southwest Iowa. Prescription orders filled with covered outpatient drugs, obtained through the 340B program, enable All Care to follow through on delivering affordable care. Maintaining the 340B program is critical for ensuring these patients have ongoing access to affordable medications.

All Care Health Center appreciates all the work that goes into passing legislation that assists in their mission to provide affordable care to their patients.