The total direct and indirect costs over the 4-year period totaled $1.24 trillion.5The COVID-19 pandemic has brought health disparities into sharper focus. Health systems, nonprofit agencies, pharmacies, and the US government are working to promote health equity and reduce disparities. “Health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being,” according to the World Health Organization.6For qualified health systems, cost savings generated through the 340B pharmacy program provide significant opportunities to reduce health disparities. These services often focus on at-risk patients and include community health programs addressing behavioral health, health care access, and social determinants influencing health.8 In its 2021 340B Hospital Community Benefit Analysis, the American Hospital Association examined public tax records of tax-exempt 340B hospitals. 340B cost savings provided up to 90% of funding for critical staff, including nurses, physical therapists, and social workers at these centers, according to a 2018 report.10

Source: Washington Post January 20, 2022 02:05 UTC