Lawmakers say a federal program discounting drugs for low-income patients may instead be enriching hospitals and other healthcare providers. 

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s an effort to change that.
340-B is a federal program that encourages pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs to hospitals and clinics at a discount. 

Senator Cassidy says the original law is vague on exactly how providers should use the savings. 

And a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found the savings “have not been associated with clear evidence of expanded care.”

Cassidy says he’s advocating for price transparency.

“Wouldn’t it be great. Doctors order a CT Scan or a blood test you know how much you’re going to be billed before you’re billed. And you can comparison shop. We’re all about the patient having the power,” Kennedy says.

Senator Cassidy says a lack of transparency about where the money is going leads to serious questions about the program’s integrity.