SENATOR ZELLNER LEADS PUSH TO PROTECT 340B PROGRAM, JOINED BY CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY AND WESTERN NEW YORK HEALTHCARE LEADERS

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) – New York State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner today led a coalition of Western New York healthcare providers and advocates in calling for urgent action to protect the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, a critical tool that helps keep prescription drugs affordable and community-based care accessible.

Advocates are urging passage of the 340B Prescription Drug Anti-Discrimination Act (S.1913/A.6222), which would prevent pharmaceutical companies from restricting access to discounted medications, protect the ability of providers to partner with local pharmacies, and ensure the program continues to serve patients as intended.

Senator Zellner said, "This is about affordability and access to care — plain and simple. 340B helps keep costs down, keeps providers in our communities open, and ensures patients can get the care they need. Right now, that’s at risk. That’s why we’re pushing this legislation, because if 340B is weakened, families in Western New York will face higher costs, fewer services, and less access to care.”

Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy said, “At a time when we’ve seen a constant parade of attacks on our healthcare system from the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans, 340B has never been more important. Without this program and the financial security it gives providers, we face an even greater crisis. I’m grateful that we have champions like Senator Zellner continuing the tradition of New York leading the way. Let’s protect and strengthen 340B so we can continue to provide lifesaving care to our family, friends, and neighbors.” 

Senator Zellner was joined by leaders from across the region’s healthcare community, all warning that ongoing efforts by large pharmaceutical companies to restrict the program are putting patient care at risk. The 340B program allows hospitals and community health centers to purchase medications at a discount and reinvest those savings directly into patient care, supporting services like primary care, behavioral health, dental care, and assistance that helps patients stay on treatment.

Rose Duhan, President & CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York State, said, “340B is a lifeline for Community Health Centers and the patients they serve. It is one of the few tools CHCs have to stretch limited resources and expand care for patients who need it most. Last year, actions by Big Pharma took $80M out of the hands of community health centers and the patients they serve. At a time when Community Health Centers are facing spiraling costs and increasing demand, efforts to undermine the 340B program threaten access to care for the patients who need it most. We must protect 340B and we thank Senator Zellner for his leadership in defending this program and standing up for New Yorkers’ access to care.”

Raymond Ganoe, President & CEO of Evergreen Health, said, “For many Western New Yorkers, healthcare is not just about access to a doctor; it’s about having the wrap-around support system that makes care possible. Maintaining this is only possible because of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Removing or reducing it would be devastating.”

Joanne Haefner, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health Center, said, “We want every Western New Yorker to be able to achieve their highest level of health and wellbeing. If we don’t protect 340B, that’s adding another barrier to achieving that goal. It will make it more difficult for many people to get the medications they need.”

Dr. Allana Krolikowski, CEO of Jericho Road Community Health Center, said, “At Jericho Road, our vision is for individuals, families, and communities to become healthy and whole. Protecting 340B works to protect our communities. It enables us to provide affordable medications, holistic care, and ultimately, a piece of the health equity our patients deserve. New York State has the opportunity to stand in the gap for our neighbors, and we urge them to do so.”  

Dr. Christopher Woodring, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Trillium Health, said, “The 340B program is essential to Trillium Health’s ability to care for more than 14,000 patients across Rochester and the Finger Lakes, nearly half of whom rely on public coverage or are uninsured. 340B savings are reinvested directly into patient care — providing discounted medications, care management services, and helping close the gap between rising costs and inadequate reimbursement. We strongly urge state leaders to include the 340B Prescription Drug Anti-Discrimination Act in the final budget so community health centers can continue meeting the needs of their communities.”

Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said, "Let's be clear — this is a choice. We can stand with patients and the providers who serve them, or we can let big drug companies rewrite the rules. The Senate has made protecting 340B a priority. Now it’s time to get this done in the final budget.”