Powers Principal Peggy Tighe was quoted in The Hill discussing how lawmakers hope to block a CMS rule that could cut billions of dollars from safety-net hospitals and other providers.
The article, titled “Lawmakers Battle Trump, PhRMA on Discount Drug Rule,” discusses a rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that is slated to go into effect on Jan. 1. The rule change means Medicare would reimburse hospitals in the program at a much lower rate, amounting to a loss of $1.6 billion in one year, according to the article.
Lawmakers in both parties are seeking to block changes to the 340B program. Reps. David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) sponsored a bill, H.R. 4392, that would permanently block the rule. It has more than 135 co-sponsors as of Tuesday afternoon, including 40 Republicans, according to The Hill. Tighe said…
“I think with this kind of support from members on both sides of the aisle, and both sides of the Capitol, it’s looking more and more promising every day.”
“It’s going to be in the leadership’s hands, and I know both sides of the equation are actively talking to leadership with their various points of view. Clearly you know from my side of the camp, we want a moratorium on the rule.”
To read the full article on The Hill’s website, click here.
Peggy works with the Powers Healthcare and the Government Relations and Public Policy teams. Her 340B work is focused on helping 340B hospitals and Ryan White clinics and their respective national organizations to preserve and protect the 340B program. Peggy has more than 25 years of experience working with physicians, hospitals and patient groups through her work at the American Medical Association and dozens of national coalitions and organizations, including 340B Health and Ryan White Clinics for 340B Access.
For more information about threats to the 340B program, contact Peggy Tighe at Peggy.Tighe@PowersLaw.com or (202) 872-6752.