LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday forcing drugmakers to continue selling certain outpatient medications at a discount to hospitals and clinics that serve low-income patients. The bill (LB168) from Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering would prohibit pharmaceutical companies from restricting or interfering in the sale of drugs included in the 340B program. Under 340B, which was enacted by Congress in 1992, pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to sell certain drugs to critical access hospitals and other qualified health centers at a discounted price.

Hardin said the 340B program allows manufacturers to participate in Medicaid and Medicare, while the savings generated for health care facilities allow them to invest in their services and communities. "The savings can literally keep the doors open for some struggling rural hospitals," Hardin said Wednesday, which was Day 38 of the 90-day legislative session. According to the Nebraska Hospital Association, 54% of critical-access hospitals in the state are operating at a loss. The 340B program offers those hospitals in two dozen legislative districts across the state a lifeline, Hardin told the Legislature.

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