The Congressional Budget Office released a report, "Growth in the 340B Drug Pricing Program," examining drug purchases made through the 340B program in 2021, growth in such purchases from 2010 to 2021, and how the program affects the federal budget. One of the top takeaways: Part of the program's spending increased from $6.6 billion to $43.9 billion, due largely to the disproportionate growth of certain drug classes in the 340B program and the integration of hospitals and off-site clinics.
Other findings include that the program encourages prescription of more and higher-priced drugs, the expansion of services, and the integration of hospitals and off-site clinics (that tend to increase federal spending).
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) issued a statement on the report, saying, "Today, the Congressional Budget Office has further validated my long-standing concerns that the 340B program—while an important lifeline to many of our safety net providers—has the ability to be abused and drive-up overall health care costs for Americans. I'm committed to conducting the necessary work to making sure that the program works for both our safety net providers and patients."
