WeVote

Bill

Bill

SB 253

relative to participation in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Gannon and 1 co-sponsor

Killed bill would have allowed New Hampshire healthcare providers to access federal drug discounts for uninsured patients through the 340B program.

Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 253

Legislative bill overview

SB 253 would have enabled New Hampshire to participate in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows certain healthcare entities (hospitals, clinics, and patient assistance programs) to purchase covered outpatient drugs at significant discounts from manufacturers. The bill aimed to expand access to this program for eligible New Hampshire providers, potentially reducing drug costs for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Why is this important

The 340B program can meaningfully lower medication costs for vulnerable populations by allowing healthcare providers to purchase drugs at 20-40% discounts and reinvest savings into patient care services. Participation could have expanded affordable drug access across New Hampshire's healthcare system, particularly benefiting safety-net hospitals and community health centers serving low-income patients.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturer concerns: Pharmaceutical manufacturers argue the program reduces their revenue and may incentivize program manipulation or duplicate discounting, though supporters counter these safeguards exist
  • Program complexity and compliance: The 340B program involves substantial administrative requirements and audit obligations that could burden smaller healthcare providers
  • Cost-benefit uncertainty: Disagreement over whether savings would materially reach patients versus being retained by health systems, and whether administrative costs justify participation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.