On Nov. 4, 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed the 340B drug pricing program into law.  To celebrate 30 years of 340B, we speak on today’s episode with former Congressman Henry Waxman, who was one of the principal architects of the 340B program. Congressman Waxman served in Congress for 40 years from 1975-2015. During part of that time, he chaired the influential U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee and U.S. House Government & Oversight Committee. 

Chairman Waxman shares why Congress created 340B, explains the need for a strong health care safety net, discusses 340B’s achievements, and remarks on why the program is just as important today as it was 30 years ago.  

Supporting the Health care Safety Net

Chairman Waxman prioritized building and protecting the health care safety net throughout his time in Congress. He discusses why this was a priority for him. He also explains the origins of the bipartisan legislation that created 340B.  

340B’s Legacy 

Throughout its history, 340B has had bipartisan support. Chairman Waxman shares his perspective on the major developments for 340B over its three decades and whether 340B has achieved what he envisioned when he wrote the law. 

Check out all of our episodes on the 340B Insight podcast website. You also can stay updated on all 340B Health news and information by visiting our homepage. If you have any questions you’d like us to cover in this podcast, email us at [email protected].

Resources 

1. Chairman Henry Waxman’s Bio 
2. Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act
3. 340B Health Statement on Final Medicare 2023 OPPS Rule
4. Merck Referred for Penalties for Refusal to Follow Federal Law on 340B Pricing 
5. HRSA Directs AbbVie and Amgen to Restore 340B Pricing to Safety-net Hospitals