Rural 340B Access Act of 2025

This bill would let rural emergency hospitals join the federal 340B drug discount program. That means these small hospitals could buy certain outpatient medicines at lower prices, helping them stretch tight budgets and keep care available close to home. The bill adds rural emergency hospitals to the list of “covered entities” that can use 340B if they meet specific nonprofit or local-government ties described in the text.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Rural emergency hospitals, especially those owned by a state or local government, granted local governmental powers, or private nonprofits that have an agreement with a local government to serve low‑income residents.
• What changes: These hospitals could buy certain outpatient drugs at discounted prices through the 340B program, which requires drug makers that participate in Medicaid to offer lower prices to eligible providers.
• Why it matters: Lower drug costs can help rural hospitals stay open and maintain emergency and outpatient services for their communities.