Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Gender-Affirming Care, Drug Pricing Reform, and 340B Updates with Paige Twenter
Aug 6, 2025
Dive into the heated debate surrounding gender-affirming care and the shifting political landscape affecting access. Discover the ongoing federal efforts to pressure pharmaceutical companies into lowering drug prices, revealing the challenges faced by patients. Delve into the complexities of the U.S. drug pricing system and the 340B program, uncovering the conflicts between drug manufacturers and regulatory entities, while discussing innovative pricing models that could reshape healthcare.
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Federal Pressure Halts Gender-Affirming Care
- Federal pressure is causing hospitals to halt gender-affirming care, even where legally protected.
- This reaction stems from fears over losing federal funding due to executive orders and investigations.
U.S. Drug Pricing Challenges
- U.S. drug prices vary widely compared to international prices due to systemic pricing structures.
- Drug makers and pharmacy benefit managers blame each other, complicating reform efforts.
340B Program Faces Rebate Model Trials
- The 340B drug pricing program faces legal battles over a new rebate pricing model.
- HRSA started a voluntary pilot to test this model amid hospital objections.