Hospitals rail against CMS' 340B changes, site neutrality

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed changes to outpatient care that include adjustments to 340B drug pricing and site-neutral payments. These changes are part of a broader effort to shift towards higher-value, lower-cost outpatient care. The Niskanen Center supports these changes, framing them as a step towards more efficient healthcare delivery. The proposed changes have sparked controversy.

The American Hospital Association and Congressman Mike Lawler have criticized the CMS' plans, with Lawler specifically demanding that CMS reconsider payment cuts to safety net hospitals. The Brookings Institution has also weighed in, focusing on site-neutral payment and price transparency data. Fierce Healthcare has reported on the hospitals' opposition, noting their resistance to the 340B changes and site neutrality. The debate centers on the impact of these changes on hospitals, particularly safety net hospitals that rely on 340B drug discounts.

The specifics of how these changes will affect patient care and hospital finances are still under discussion. The CMS' final rule has not yet been released, leaving many questions unanswered about the implementation and long-term effects of these proposed changes.