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Federal officials told lawmakers Tuesday that the 340B drug discount program needs greater transparency and more clarity about which providers and patients should be eligible. Such changes will improve oversight of a program that has seen a stark rise in its participation over the past decade, they said. (Johnson, 3/24)

The rapid expansion of the federal 340B discount drug program may require new legislation to make sure that its benefits reach the intended population, the neediest Americans, lawmakers said Tuesday. Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., was among those who raised concerns at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing about the lack of firm directives to hospitals about how savings from the program should be used. Hospitals, clinics and other health agencies enrolled in the program saved about $3.8 billion in 2013 by acquiring steeply discounted drugs, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. (Young, 3/24)