The "Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act" amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate that Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) pay no more than the 340B ceiling price for covered outpatient drugs at the exact moment of purchase. This legislation specifically prohibits the Secretary from entering into agreements with drug manufacturers that would allow FQHCs to be charged above the established discounted price upfront. A crucial rule of construction clarifies that no arrangement permitting an initial payment exceeding the ceiling price, even with subsequent reconciliation through rebates or reimbursements, is permissible. The bill ensures that FQHCs receive the intended drug discounts immediately, rather than having to wait for later adjustments. These amendments take effect upon enactment and apply to all drug purchases made thereafter, influencing both new and existing agreements.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act
USA119th CongressHR-7391| House
| Updated: 2/5/2026
The "Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act" amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate that Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) pay no more than the 340B ceiling price for covered outpatient drugs at the exact moment of purchase. This legislation specifically prohibits the Secretary from entering into agreements with drug manufacturers that would allow FQHCs to be charged above the established discounted price upfront. A crucial rule of construction clarifies that no arrangement permitting an initial payment exceeding the ceiling price, even with subsequent reconciliation through rebates or reimbursements, is permissible. The bill ensures that FQHCs receive the intended drug discounts immediately, rather than having to wait for later adjustments. These amendments take effect upon enactment and apply to all drug purchases made thereafter, influencing both new and existing agreements.