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In 2024, Minnesota joined the wave of states passing laws to protect the federal 340B program, after drugmakers unilaterally decided to restrict provider participation in the long-running drug discount program. Minnesota lawmakers voted YES to prohibiting drugmakers from restricting, prohibiting, or interfering with the delivery of covered outpatient drugs to pharmacies under contracts with 340B-covered entities. Those covered entities are the hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving predominantly low-income communities where many residents lack health insurance.

Illinois legislation to protect 340B, House Bill 2371, is modeled after states like Minnesota and about 20 others. HB 2371 similarly prohibits drugmaker interference with 340B hospitals and FQHCs, and it includes NEW transparency requirements.

State courts have twice upheld Minnesota’s 340B law in the face of challenges from Big Pharma, with the latest ruling on Feb. 17, eight days after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld a lower court decision sustaining Louisiana’s 340B law.

Illinois hospitals and FQHCs are united behind 340B because they see firsthand how it benefits people struggling to make ends meet, as prices from groceries to housing have climbed in recent years. Healthcare providers are committed to their mission of enhancing individual and community health. 340B has helped hospitals and FQHCs serve communities. With providers facing federal Medicaid funding cuts and increased costs, 340B is needed now more than ever.

Stand with patients, hospitals and FQHCs: Support Illinois’ 340B bill. Learn more.