Image by JJ GouinOPINION – When used as intended, the federal 340B program can combat deep systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities; however, it is being exploited by bad actors and Californians aren’t benefiting.
A woman shops for medications in a pharmacy. (Photo: Tyler Olson, via ShutterstockOPINION: Mark Twain once proclaimed, “The government of my country snubs honest simplicity, but fondles artistic villainy, and I think I might have developed into a very capable pickpocket if I had remained in the public service a year or two.” These humorous words may elicit a smile, but clearly ring true more than a century later, and most certainly apply to the 340B drug discount program.