Small steps reap big savings: 340B program checklist for COVID-19

Why This Topic Matters

COVID-19 created financial pressure on healthcare organizations, making 340B program administration a potential source of savings and operational resilience. This article helps readers identify the main areas where 340B processes may need review or coordination during the emergency period.

Article Sections

1. Review and realign programs

   Discusses broad program review during the public health emergency, including policies, procedures, provider lists, recordkeeping, and purchasing practices. It focuses on operational areas that may need reassessment under changing conditions.

2. Register new sites and pharmacies

   Covers the process and timing considerations for adding new locations and pharmacies under emergency-related registration provisions. The section addresses how organizations coordinate with program partners and supporting agencies.

3. Qualify additional 340B-eligible claims manually

   Describes claim types that may fall outside standard workflows and may require manual review or additional documentation. It explains the general purpose of validation steps in supporting 340B processing.

4. Prepare for an increase in mail order prescriptions

   Reviews growth in mail-order and longer-day-supply prescriptions and the operational implications for pharmacy setups. It also discusses adding pharmacy options to support changing distribution patterns.

5. Minimize unnecessary WAC spend

   Focuses on reviewing purchasing patterns and inventory-related spend to identify opportunities for more efficient ordering. The section centers on program savings and replenishment awareness.

6. Check accuracy of 340B pricing in wholesaler catalogs

   Addresses catalog pricing accuracy and its effect on program savings. It highlights the importance of validating pricing for regularly ordered items and specialty medications.

7. Negotiate temporary operational changes

   Describes possible short-term operational adjustments with pharmacy partners during the pandemic. The section covers billing, ordering, reprocessing, and true-up timing at a high level.

8. Align best practices for telehealth

   Reviews telehealth-related program alignment, including registration, vendor data flow, and documentation readiness. It focuses on how organizations may adapt policies for remote care delivery.