What is the 340B program primarily intended to provide?

The 340B program is designed specifically to enable eligible healthcare entities, such as certain hospitals and clinics, to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. This discount helps these organizations stretch their limited resources further, allowing them to serve vulnerable populations more effectively. By providing discounted drug prices, the program aims to ensure that eligible entities can offer affordable medications to their patients, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.

This aspect of the program is vital because it helps healthcare providers maintain or improve access to necessary medications, thereby supporting public health objectives. The focus on discounted drug prices is essential in helping healthcare entities manage costs while continuing to offer services to their communities. Hence, the primary intent of the 340B program is centered on providing financial relief through reduced drug pricing for eligible healthcare providers.