Healthcare Reform stories

Sep 25, 2026

340B drug program faces renewed scrutiny over hospital charity care spending and reform proposals

The 340B drug discount program is under debate as a new report shows participating hospitals lag behind peers in charity care spending, while stakeholders at a conference discuss potential reforms including data clearinghouses and a 2027 rebate model. Critics argue the program has expanded without corresponding patient benefits.

Sep 25, 20262 sources

Sep 9, 2026

Trump administration announces $500 Obamacare rebate checks for 1 million enrollees

President Trump announced plans to send $500 rebate checks to approximately 1 million Americans in 30 states who the administration claims were overcharged for Affordable Care Act coverage, with the payments expected before the November midterm elections.

Sep 9, 20264 sources

May 13, 2026

Optum Rx Replaces Traditional PBM Model with Flat Fee-Based Structure

Optum Rx announced it will transition away from the traditional pharmacy benefit manager model to a flat service fee structure, with group purchasing fully converting to flat fees by end of 2027.

May 13, 20261 source

Top claims

▪The Health Resources and Services Administration scheduled a 340B rebate pilot program for January 2027 covering approximately 25 drugs, which hospital groups project will have an annual cash-flow impact exceeding $1 billion.
▪A strict, time-bound patient definition is necessary for the 340B program
▪Josh Weber of health-system pharmacy argued at the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy 2026 conference that contract pharmacy networks are not linked to patient benefits and carry dispensing fees of $1,000 to $2,000 per transaction.

People involved

Donald Trump

Subtopics

Drug Pricing and Access2 Affordable Care Act1 Drug pricing1 Government and Regulatory Policy1 Healthcare Policy1 Pharmaceutical Industry1 Pharmacy benefit managers1 Trump administration1 US health policy & drug pricing1 US midterm elections1

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