A Statement from the Catholic Health Association of the United States

September 18, 2018 — CHA welcomes today’s announcement by the American Hospital Association (AHA) articulating fundamental principles of hospital stewardship for the 340B drug discount program. The 340B program plays an important role in supporting access to health care in vulnerable communities by providing discounts to hospitals that serve a significant percentage of low-income patients or rural communities. The savings from the 340B program allow safety net and rural hospitals to meet local needs, especially for the most vulnerable in our communities. Many Catholic hospitals rely on savings from the reduced acquisition cost of 340B drugs to fund programs such as free and low-cost clinics; infusion, dialysis and other needed services in remote or lowincome areas; programs that provide low-cost or free prescriptions; and critical hospital services that operate at a loss. CHA and its members are committed to good stewardship of the 340B program. We will continue to work with our members, the AHA, other hospital associations and policy makers to strengthen and improve the program so our communities and their most vulnerable members have access to essential health services. 

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