WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 7391

Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act

119th Congress Introduced by Mark Amodei and 46 co-sponsors

Bill bars Federally-qualified health centers from paying above 340B ceiling prices for drugs, securing program discounts to lower medication costs for low-income patients.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 7391

Legislative bill overview

HR 7391 amends the Public Health Service Act to prevent Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) from being charged prices higher than the 340B ceiling price when purchasing covered outpatient drugs. The 340B program is a federal discount program that requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide significant discounts on medications to eligible healthcare entities. This bill specifically protects FQHCs from paying above-ceiling prices at the point of purchase.

Why is this important

FQHCs serve uninsured, underinsured, and low-income patients across rural and urban areas. Drug pricing directly affects the affordability of care these centers can provide and their operational sustainability. By locking in ceiling prices at purchase, the bill aims to ensure FQHCs receive the full intended benefit of the 340B program, potentially reducing medication costs for vulnerable patient populations and preventing middlemen from capturing program savings.

Potential points of contention

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturer concerns: Drug makers may argue the provision increases regulatory burden and limits their pricing flexibility, potentially affecting profit margins
  • Intermediary impact: Drug wholesalers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who currently benefit from pricing gaps between ceiling and retail prices would lose revenue under stricter enforcement
  • Implementation logistics: Questions remain about enforcement mechanisms, what constitutes violation, and how FQHCs would verify compliance at point of purchase across different drug distribution channels

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

Sign in to ask a question.