What is Senate Bill 278?
Senate Bill 278 requires drug manufacturers to certify that they will not restrict 340B drug shipments to contract pharmacies, helping ensure continued access to affordable medications for the patients and communities you serve.
Why is Senate Bill 278 important?
Virginia’s Community Health Centers (CHCs) use 340B discounted medications to help patients afford their life-saving medicine. Some CHCs dispense medications from in-house pharmacies, and others rely on contracts with local pharmacies to fill prescriptions at deep discounts.
Restrictions create an access crisis for our health centers and their patients. Many of our health centers and associated pharmacies are miles apart, creating a hardship for patients who would have to travel up to 40 miles to get their prescriptions filled, passing numerous pharmacies along the way.
SB 278 costs taxpayers $0 and ensures that Community Health Centers can remain open and continue providing access to affordable, life-saving medication to over 422,000 Virginians.
Where we are now:
On January 29, SB 278 was heard by the Senate Education & Health Committee and was referred to the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee. The bill is now under consideration by the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee.
Send a message to members of the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee to urge them to support SB 278 using the link below.