Untangling 340B: Medicare's Proposed Payment Cuts and the Future of Healthcare

Sydney Halleman, Senior Editor at Healthcare Dive, discusses the 340B Drug Pricing Program, Healthcare Reform, Price Transparency, and Site-Neutral Payments in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. The conversation highlights the complexities and implications of proposed changes under the Trump administration.

WASHINGTON — September 11, 2026 — The Health Policy Podcast features Sydney Halleman, Senior Editor at Healthcare Dive, who provides insights into the 340B Drug Pricing Program and its proposed payment cuts by the Trump administration. The episode covers the significance of healthcare reform, price transparency, and site-neutral payments, shedding light on the ongoing debates surrounding these critical issues.

Halleman explains that the 340B program, designed to help hospitals serving low-income populations afford medications, has faced scrutiny for its effectiveness and transparency. "340B is a healthcare program that's been really thrown into the spotlight over the past decade, but especially under the Trump administration," she said. Critics argue that the program has become a financial boon for hospitals without ensuring that funds are directed toward patient care. "Critics have really accused this program of basically funneling money to hospitals without that money actually getting to patients," Halleman added.

The episode also delves into the proposed cuts to 340B payments, which the Trump administration claims are necessary to rein in spending. Halleman notes that hospitals have historically resisted such cuts, arguing they threaten the viability of nonprofit providers, particularly rural hospitals. "Hospitals have historically been very aggressive over protecting their 340B funds," she said.

Healthcare Dive provides in-depth journalism and insight into the healthcare industry, covering topics such as policy, regulation, and business trends.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth, featuring expert guests who discuss pressing issues in the healthcare sector.