Scott Hennen’s interview with Heart of America Medical Center CEO Erik Christenson
(BISMARCK, ND) — North Dakota lawmakers are considering changes that would expand a controversial drug pricing program that is currently driving up healthcare costs for taxpayers, patients, and small businesses.
The 340B program was created to cover the costs for uninsured and vulnerable patients by providing medicine discounts to hospitals, who would then pass the savings on to its patients. Instead, it has become a profit-driven system where corporate health systems pocket discounts while patients and small business owners pay higher costs.
“Pharma is really pushing to reduce the capability to participate in the program,” Heart of America Medical Center CEO Erik Christenson said. Heart of America Medical Center is located in Rugby.
Tim Blasl, who is the President of the North Dakota Hospital Association, said in testimony to the state legislature that hospitals support House Bill 1473 “because it would help strengthen the 340B program. The 340B program was created by congress over 30 years ago. The program requires drug manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs at reduced prices to eligible health care organizations that serve more low-income and underserved patients.”
House Bill 1473 passed the North Dakota House 71-17 and has since been sent to the Senate.
