DISTRICT 20 OKLAHOMA HOUSE / From the desk of Jonathan Wilk
Access to healthcare is a growing concern in many Oklahoma communities, especially in areas where resources are limited. Hospitals and clinics in these regions work hard to provide essential care, but they often operate on tight budgets. That’s where the 340B program comes in. It allows these facilities to purchase medications at discounted prices, helping reduce costs so they can continue offering the care patients need — without passing the financial burden onto them. Without 340B, many healthcare providers would struggle to provide the level of care their communities depend on.
That’s why House Bill 2048 is so important. It’s designed to protect and strengthen the 340B program to ensure hospitals and clinics in rural areas continue getting the support they need. Right now, some insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) reimburse 340B hospitals at lower rates than non-340B providers. This practice cuts into the financial relief 340B is supposed to provide, making it harder for hospitals to reinvest those savings into patient care. HB2048 addresses this by ensuring 340B hospitals receive fair payments, so they can use those savings where they matter most: in the care of their patients.
The bill also tackles another problem—unnecessary paperwork. By cutting down on excessive reporting requirements, HB2048 reduces barriers that could get in the way of providing affordable care to Oklahomans who need it most.
The 340B program helps healthcare providers stretch their resources, making sure patients in areas with fewer resources have access to the care they need. The savings from 340B are reinvested into expanding healthcare services, funding patient assistance programs and helping hospitals stay open. Importantly, this program doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime. The discounts come from drug manufacturers, not from public funds.
By ensuring that 340B-covered hospitals receive fair reimbursement, HB2048 strengthens healthcare access across Oklahoma. It helps protect the financial viability of hospitals and clinics, so they can keep serving communities that rely on them for essential care. This bill is an important step toward supporting Oklahoma’s communities with the greatest healthcare needs and ensuring they have access to the care they deserve.
For many communities, the combination of the 340B program and fair reimbursement policies like those in HB 2048 is essential for keeping hospitals open and healthcare accessible. HB2048 will make sure these facilities can continue to provide the care Oklahomans depend on.
