Pete Mihalik of International Hearing Society on Health Policy Podcast: Peter Mihalick Explains the Challenges of the 340B Drug Pricing Program

Pete Mihalik, Advocacy Director at the International Hearing Society, discusses the challenges of the 340B Drug Pricing Program on the Health Policy Podcast. Key topics include healthcare access, patient advocacy, and healthcare regulation.

WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — Pete Mihalik, Advocacy Director at the International Hearing Society, joined the Health Policy Podcast to discuss the complexities of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The program aims to provide discounted outpatient drugs to eligible healthcare facilities, but it raises significant concerns regarding patient access and the effectiveness of healthcare regulation.

Mihalik highlighted that while the 340B program was designed to assist low-income patients, many hospitals do not directly pass on the savings to these individuals. "The real issue is though, is that none of the directives from Congress in establishing the program force the hospitals or clinics to actually provide anything for those particular patients," he said. This lack of accountability has led to hospitals utilizing discounts for purposes other than direct patient care, such as capital improvements.

The episode also addresses the affordability challenges faced by patients. Mihalik noted, "One of the biggest issues... was affordability and adherence." Patients still face copays that can be burdensome, leading to skipped doses and inadequate treatment. He emphasized the need for reforms that ensure the benefits of the program are directed toward improving patient care rather than enhancing hospital profits. "Unfortunately, a lot of these hospitals don't have their own sort of pharmacy programs, so they rely on what are known as contract pharmacies to distribute the drugs," he explained.

The International Hearing Society is a professional organization representing hearing healthcare professionals. It advocates for the interests of its members and promotes access to quality hearing care.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on issues related to energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. The show features experts discussing the latest developments in health policy and their implications for society.