Congress Eyes Drug Discount Changes After Legislative Stall

Both chambers of Congress are moving toward taking a fresh look at potential changes to a growing drug discount program used by certain hospitals, though lawmakers are divided on the approach.

The federal program, known as 340B, requires drug manufacturers to provide discounted drugs to eligible health centers and hospitals. Since its creation in 1992, it has been a constant point of contention between hospitals and drugmakers.

“The drug companies hate it, and the hospitals depend on it,” said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). “It’s really symptomatic in some ways how healthcare reimbursement is so much a cost-shifting game, and it’s ...