U.S. Hospitals Reject HHS Survey on Drug Acquisition Costs, Citing Lack of Enforcement Power
Hospitals across the United States are refusing to participate in a survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding their prescription drug acquisition costs. This survey, mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), targets hospitals that benefit from the 340B drug discount program, which provides reduced-priced drugs to low-income serving hospitals. The survey's purpose is to verify the amounts hospitals pay for these prescriptions, with the results intended to inform drug payment rates for 2027. However, hospitals are declining to comply, as the HHS lacks the authority to enforce penalties for noncompliance. The deadline for submission was March 31, and the survey is part of ongoing efforts by the agency to regulate drug pricing. 
