Which type of hospital primarily participates in the 340B Program by serving a large low-income population?

The participation of hospitals in the 340B Program is aimed at enabling healthcare providers to stretch their resources further to serve vulnerable populations, particularly those with low incomes. Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) are specifically designed to provide care to a high percentage of low-income patients. These hospitals receive a higher level of Medicare reimbursement because they often treat a significant number of beneficiaries who are either uninsured or covered by Medicaid.

Given their mandate and the financial challenges they face, DSH hospitals benefit tremendously from the 340B Program. The savings accrued via discounted drug purchasing can be redirected towards expanding services, supporting community health initiatives, and providing care that is otherwise difficult to afford for low-income patients.

In contrast, community hospitals and for-profit hospitals may not have the same level of commitment or resources dedicated to serving low-income populations. While public health centers do play a critical role in serving low-income individuals, they are not categorized in the same manner as DSH hospitals concerning the 340B Program. Therefore, DSH hospitals are primarily recognized for their significant involvement in the program, focusing their services on the large low-income population.