Federally Qualified Health Centers like Wallace offer exceptional benefits in all kinds of ways, increasing health equity for patients and improving community health.
A federal act passed in 1992 requires drug manufacturers to sell medications to Health Centers at a reduced rate, so they can increase accessibility to medications for uninsured and underinsured patients. This program, known as “340B”, also generates savings that health centers invest in critical services for underserved patients, such as translation services, food support, housing assistance, extended clinic hours, transportation to appointments, and more.
This lifeline for patients and health centers is now under increasing threat from the practice of “pickpocketing” by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the middlemen between health centers and drug manufacturers. Put simply, PBMs are stealing the savings meant for health centers and jeopardizing our ability to offer affordable medications to patients. Only Congress can fix this situation.
We need your help to protect this critical resource that benefits our patients and our community. Please take action during National Health Center Week by urging your member of Congress to act now. It’s easy, and important!
You can also make a difference by calling the legislators in your area
OPCA has created an easy script to use when calling! Click here to view it.
Most of the time, calling your legislators is as simple as leaving a message! If someone does answer the phone, it is likely to be a member of their staff who will hear what you have to share and let the legislator know – you are not expected to know or explain policy concepts and they will rarely ask you questions.
If a staffer answers and you have a conversation after reading the script, here are some additional helpful tips:
- Don’t let the thought of approaching elected officials intimidate you, your voice matters!
- Keep things friendly and avoid party politics.
- Listen to a lawmaker’s or staffer’s comments and questions on an issues.
- Be honest – don’t make up an answer- it’s always okay say “I don’t know but I will get back to you.
- Express gratitude (thank them for their time).
