CHC Radio

Government Shutdown Stalls Drug Discount Program 340B

Originally broadcast October 9, 2025

$44 billion in drugs that help Americans are purchased through a little-known federal discount program called 340B. The program is recognized for successfully helping hospitals, community health centers and others that fund care for low-income patients.  

But that program is now facing big challenges from drugmakers, and the current government shutdown has brought new uncertainty.

Reporter William Newton of 340B Report tells hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter that the shutdown has delayed approvals for a federal rebate pilot and furloughed key staff. “There are a lot of big question marks,” he says, noting that the delays could jeopardize timelines for hospitals and community clinics that depend on 340B savings.

David Lim of POLITICO adds perspective on how drug manufacturers and policymakers are shaping the future of the 340B program. Together, he and Newton explain how what began as a quiet effort to help safety-net providers has grown into a national discussion about drug prices and access to care.

As Newton explains, “The 340B program may sound niche, but it’s actually the second-largest government prescription drug program, touching every corner of the U.S. health-care system.”

Conversations on Health Care

Share
Published by
Conversations on Health Care

Recent Posts

Shutdown Threatens Food Benefits: Family Physicians Leader Urges Resolution

Food insecurity could soon worsen for millions of families and result in devastating health outcomes.…

17 hours ago

New Research Bolsters Model for Preventing Infant Mortality

Originally broadcast June 5, 2024. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and…

1 week ago

Preventing Veteran Suicides: Strategies & Tactics

Veterans Day, which is less than a month away, is a time to honor and…

2 weeks ago

How Govt. Shutdown Affects Telemedicine

Originally broadcast October 2, 2025 The federal government is shut down and the ripple effects…

4 weeks ago

The 16th Anniversary Show: Our First Guests Are Back!

Originally broadcast Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Happy anniversary to “Conversations on Health Care”! We posted…

1 month ago

‘How Healing Works’ Author Dr. Wayne Jonas Explains His Approach

Dr. Wayne Jonas, who formerly led the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine,…

1 month ago