Nonprofit hospitals and health clinics are alarmed about a change that’s coming to federal drug purchasing discounts next year. They’ll have to pay up front and then get rebates — rather than direct price cuts — in a pilot with eight pharmaceutical companies, reports Maya Goldman at Axios.
Between the lines: Community health centers are particularly concerned.
“For some health centers, it’s like a death blow. They can’t afford the upfront cost,” said Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO of health center association Advocates for Community Health.
Although the rebate system is a test, not a permanent change, the danger is that “some harm that might come from this won’t be easily reversed,” she added.