GAO: More Oversight of Drug Discount Program Required
A new Government Accountability Office report recommended that the Health Resources and Services Administration increase its oversight of Medicaid's 340B program, which offers discounted brand-name drugs to facilities that serve low-income patients or provide outpatient care. The GAO report found that the number of hospitals in the program has risen from 591 in 2005 to 1,673 in 2011. The report said HRSA's oversight is inadequate because it relies on self-policing. HRSA officials agreed with GAO's recommendation but noted that the agency lacks sufficient funding to increase oversight of the program.
- "GAO: Drug Discount Program Needs More Oversight" (Baker, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 9/23).
- "GAO Urges Greater Oversight for Drug Discount Program" (Lee, Modern Healthcare, 9/23).