2026-09-09

340B Legal and Policy Developments

The 340B program faces significant legal and policy challenges. A federal judge decertified 11 clinics from the program, siding with drugmakers. CMS’s proposed 340B payment changes drew critical comments from NASP and AHA. Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital sued CVS Health over alleged 340B diversion. These developments highlight ongoing tensions between hospitals, drugmakers, and regulators.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
01
Court decertifies 11 clinics in 340B dispute.
A federal judge ruled against 11 clinics’ 340B certifications, supporting drugmakers’ claims of statutory non-compliance.

02
NASP comments on CMS’s 340B payment changes.
NASP submitted comments on CMS’s CY 2027 HOPPS rule, focusing on 340B reimbursement and specialty pharmacy impacts.

Source: NASP

03
Froedtert Hospital sues CVS over $18M 340B diversion.
Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital alleges CVS diverted $18 million in 340B savings, filing suit in E.D. Wisconsin.

04
AHA urges CMS to reconsider 2027 340B payment cuts.
AHA opposes CMS’s proposed increase in 340B repayment rates, warning of significant financial impacts on hospitals.

05
AAMC and AHA push for 340B rule changes.
AAMC and AHA filed comments urging changes to CMS’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and Sen. Cassidy’s 340B draft.

06
Hospitals press CMS on Medicare drug price negotiation.
AHA recommends CMS require upfront negotiated prices instead of retrospective rebates in the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

07
Court updates in 340B legal battles.
Recent court rulings involve contract pharmacy access, patient eligibility, and reimbursement practices in the 340B program.

08
Hospital groups challenge CMS’s 2027 outpatient rule.
AHA, AAMC, and AMGA submitted comments opposing 340B payment cuts and other provisions in CMS’s proposed outpatient rule.

09
HRSA’s 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program set for 2027.
HRSA will launch a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program on January 1, 2027, with limited scope to MFP drugs.

10
Medicaid and ACA cuts impact health systems.
Hospital leaders prepare for financial pressures from HR 1’s Medicaid work requirements and other provisions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY — KEY TAKEAWAYS
Most important 340B implication. The decertification of 11 clinics from the 340B program shows the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by covered entities. This decision may prompt other clinics to reassess their compliance with 340B statutory requirements, which could lead to more decertifications or legal disputes. The ruling highlights the complex relationship between drugmakers and covered entities, with significant financial implications for both parties.
Emerging risks.

  • Hospitals face increased financial pressure from CMS’s proposed 340B repayment rate hike.
  • Decertification of clinics may lead to reduced access to discounted drugs for patients.
  • Ongoing legal battles could result in further restrictions on 340B program participation.
  • Potential changes to Medicare reimbursement could impact specialty pharmacy services.
  • Healthcare systems may need to adjust strategies due to Medicaid and ACA cuts.
Emerging opportunities.

  • Hospitals can engage with CMS during comment periods to influence 340B policy changes.
  • Specialty pharmacies may explore partnerships to mitigate reimbursement impacts.
  • Healthcare systems can use data analytics to ensure 340B compliance and optimize savings.
  • Organizations can collaborate with industry groups to advocate for favorable 340B policies.
  • Hospitals may seek alternative funding or partnerships to offset financial pressures.
Key actions for providers.

  • Review and ensure compliance with 340B statutory requirements to avoid decertification.
  • Participate in CMS comment periods to express concerns and suggestions on proposed rules.
  • Monitor ongoing litigation for potential impacts on 340B program participation.
  • Evaluate financial strategies to address potential revenue losses from 340B changes.
  • Engage with industry associations to stay informed on 340B policy developments.
TOP STORIES
Court decertifies 11 clinics in 340B dispute.
Becker’s Hospital Review · August 20, 2026
  • A federal judge ruled against 11 clinics, supporting drugmakers’ claims of statutory non-compliance.
  • The U.S. District Court for D.C. granted partial summary judgment to Amgen and Genentech.
  • The court found clinics received funding through Sagebrush Health Services, not directly from government sources.
Froedtert Hospital sues CVS over $18M 340B diversion.
Becker’s Hospital Review · August 31, 2026
  • Froedtert alleges CVS diverted $18 million in 340B savings from 2020 to 2025.
  • The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
  • Defendants include CVS Health, CaremarkPCS Health, and WellPartner.
NASP comments on CMS’s 340B payment changes.
NASP · September 1, 2026
  • NASP submitted comments on CMS’s CY 2027 HOPPS rule.
  • Focus on Medicare reimbursement for 340B-acquired drugs and specialty pharmacy impacts.
  • Comments address operational, dispensing, and compliance considerations.
FEDERAL POLICY & REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
AHA urges CMS to reconsider 2027 340B payment cuts.
Becker’s Hospital Review · August 26, 2026
  • AHA opposes CMS’s proposed increase in 340B repayment rates.
  • The proposed rule would raise repayment from 0.5% to 3%.
  • AHA warns of significant financial impacts on hospitals.
AAMC and AHA push for 340B rule changes.
Becker’s Hospital Review · August 26, 2026
  • AAMC and AHA filed comments on CMS’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.
  • AAMC wants prospective application of Maximum Fair Price.
  • AHA comments on Sen. Cassidy’s 340B Drug Pricing Integrity and Affordability for Patients Act.
Hospitals press CMS on Medicare drug price negotiation.
Becker’s Hospital Review · August 18, 2026
  • AHA recommends upfront negotiated prices instead of rebates.
  • Comments filed on CMS’s proposed rule for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.
  • AHA argues for point-of-sale pricing for eligible drugs.
340B PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS
HRSA’s 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program set for 2027.
Drug Channels · August 25, 2026
  • HRSA will launch a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program on January 1, 2027.
  • The pilot program is limited to MFP drugs from 2026-2027.
  • MFP drugs represent less than 5.5% of 2025 340B sales.
LITIGATION & ENFORCEMENT WATCH
Court Matter Date
D.D.C. Court sides with drugmakers in 340B dispute, decertifies 11 clinics (U.S. District Court for D.C.; partial summary judgment) [source] August 20, 2026
E.D. Wis. Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital Inc v. CVS Health Corporation [source] August 20, 2026
M.D. Fla. The Elevance Health Companies, Inc. v. Senderra Rx Partners, LLC [source] September 4, 2026
D.D.C. COREWELL HEALTH WILLIAM BEAUMONT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL v. KENNEDY [source] September 3, 2026
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
  • HRSA’s 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program launches January 1, 2027. [source]
  • CMS’s final decision on CY 2027 HOPPS rule expected soon. [source]
  • Outcome of Froedtert Hospital’s lawsuit against CVS could impact 340B diversion practices. [source]
  • Potential CMS revisions to Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program rules. [source]
End of briefing.

This briefing is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, financial, or compliance advice. Automated summarization may contain errors or omissions, and source materials may change after publication. Recipients should independently verify all information against the cited primary sources before relying on it.

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