Patients Rising

A recent national analysis from the National Consumers league found that hospitals participating in 340B are more likely to pursue aggressive debt collection actions, including lawsuits, wage garnishment, and liens, even in settings where patients are undergoing intensive cancer treatment. Financial strain at that level doesn’t just affect credit, it can delay care, disrupt follow-up, and change outcomes.

Medical debt appears consistently in bankruptcy filings across the United States, revealing how illness can become a financial crisis long after treatment ends. This this issue of Patients Rising Magazine, we examine how hospital billing practices, coverage gaps, and policies like the 340B program intersect with household finances, pushing families toward insolvency and exposing the hidden costs of the American healthcare system. Take a look at this issue right here: hubs.ly/Q047QXv60

Researchers analyzed claims data from state and local government health plans across 46 states to see how prescription drugs purchased through hospital discount programs are priced when billed to insurers. The review focused on the difference between what hospitals paid to acquire certain medicines and what those same medicines were later billed at within public employee health plans. What emerged was a clearer picture of how pricing moves through the system once those drugs leave the hospital purchasing channel and enter the insurance claims process.

A patient owes $16,894 to Central Maine Healthcare, according to their bankruptcy filings. Additional medical creditors also appear in the bankruptcy schedules, including a collections agency for medical services along with specialty providers, imaging services and behavioral health providers. Central Maine Healthcare, a 340B hospital, is the largest hospital creditor in the case. That matters. The household’s combined monthly income was $5,316.72. Monthly expenses totaled $5,230. That left a margin of $86.72. Only $86. Let that sink in. Read more: hubs.ly/Q046RdYN0

A federal program created to support care for underserved communities is now raising serious questions about where the financial benefits actually land. Patients Rising is examining bankruptcy filings and hospital billing practices to better understand how these dynamics affect patients facing serious illness. Learn more here: hubs.ly/Q046RdYM0

Medical debt remains one of the most common and devastating financial challenges facing patients in the United States. For individuals navigating serious illnesses such as cancer, the financial strain of treatment can follow them long after they leave the hospital. A new analysis from the National Consumers League sheds light on an important dimension of this issue: how hospitals participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program approach medical debt collection. The issue brief examines hospital billing and collection policies across more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide, comparing those that participate in the 340B program with those that do not. The findings raise important questions about how hospital financial policies intersect with the experience of patients already navigating complex medical care. Read more: hubs.ly/Q046Rv590

CMS wants to hear from patients and caregivers. This is your chance to explain what medications make possible in daily life and what happens when access changes. Sign up by March 18 to participate: hubs.ly/Q046RdQ30

Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio explains how the 340B Drug Pricing Program is being misused and driving patient medical debt instead of lowering costs for patients who need help most. Watch here: hubs.ly/Q045ZPMK0

The idea was simple. Lower the cost hospitals pay so they can stretch resources and better support patients who are financially vulnerable. But the way the program is actually applied surprises many people. In many cases, the discount lowers the hospital’s cost, not the patient’s bill.

A hospital participating in the federal 340B drug discount program billed a patient $35,000. The patient’s household had $34 left each month after paying basic expenses. At that margin, a five figure hospital bill becomes a financial breaking point. The 340B program was created so hospitals could purchase outpatient drugs at steep discounts and stretch those savings to support vulnerable patients. But when a hospital in that same program appears as the largest creditor in a bankruptcy filing, it raises a difficult question about where those savings are actually going. Patients Rising is reviewing federal bankruptcy records across the country as part of our Medical Bankruptcy in America investigation to understand how hospital billing practices, insurance barriers and federal healthcare programs intersect when families face serious illness. Read more here: hubs.ly/Q045Zj9P0

This week Patients Rising advocate Jessica Baladad can be found on the hill in Nashville as she continues to advocate and testify in support 3 important bills going through the House Insurance Committee and Insurance Subcommittee in the Tennessee General Assembly: HB1959: Breaks up the vertical integration of a PBM's ownership of a pharmacy HB1775: Expands insurance coverage for genetic testing and evidence-based imaging for individuals at increased risk of cancer HB1956: Eliminates step therapy practices that can delay access to physician-prescribed cancer treatments Patients Rising works every day to elevate patient voices in policy conversations like these, advocating for transparency, accountability and reforms that help patients access the care and treatments their doctors recommend. Let's cheer Jessica on!

Across the country, families facing serious illness are also facing financial collapse. Patients Rising is reviewing federal bankruptcy filings and a troubling pattern keeps appearing. Hospitals that participate in the federal 340B drug discount program, a program meant to support vulnerable patients, are showing up as major creditors in medical bankruptcy cases. When the institutions receiving federal drug discounts are also driving patients into bankruptcy court, it raises a serious question about where those savings are actually going. Our investigation into Medical Bankruptcy in America is just getting started. Learn more here: hubs.ly/Q045ZPMw0

If you missed the deadline to sign up for the CMS roundtable discussions, it's been extended! Check out resources from Patients Rising to learn more about how you can prepare and get signed up: hubs.ly/Q045ZRbp0

Medicare drug price negotiations are happening now, and patient experience evidence is required by law. Your participation, your voice and your experience matter! Sign up here: hubs.ly/Q0455t-w0

The Health Resources and Services Administration is requesting public input on whether and how to implement a rebate model within the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Under the current 340B structure, certain hospitals and covered entities receive discounted drug pricing upfront. HRSA is evaluating whether discounts could instead be processed through a rebate model tied to claims data. HRSA is asking patients, providers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to weigh in before making further decisions. This is YOUR opportunity to help shape how the program works! The deadline to sign up April 20, 2026. Learn more here: hubs.ly/Q0455v5l0

Prescription drug affordability is a real concern for many patients, particularly those on fixed incomes or managing complex conditions that require multiple medications. Lawmakers who supported the program argued that Medicare should use its size to demand lower drug prices, that high drug costs strain seniors and taxpayers and that government-set prices would reduce Medicare spending over time. Others, however, raised concerns that price-setting by the government could reduce treatment options and slow the development of new medicines. If you want to give your input on the future of drug prices, sign up to participate in the CMS Roundtable discussions here: hubs.ly/Q0455tBG0

Baylen Dupree has used her public platform to bring visibility to life with Tourette syndrome, sharing candid insight into the realities of living with a misunderstood neurological condition. Through her show, Baylen Out Loud on TLC Network,  she has invited millions of viewers into her daily life, helping to demystify Tourette syndrome and expand understanding beyond headlines and stereotypes. Through both her television presence and social media platforms, Baylen challenges stigma, educates audiences, and normalizes conversations around neurological health. Her openness has not only expanded awareness, but also encouraged greater empathy and confidence for individuals navigating chronic and complex conditions. On March 5, Patients Rising is honoring Baylen with the Advocacy Out Loud Award for using her voice unapologetically and publicly — helping to reshape how patients with neurological conditions are seen, understood, and included in broader healthcare conversations. Learn more here: hubs.ly/Q0445M0q0

Friendly reminder that the submission deadline for written comments for the CMS negotiations is coming up! Sign up here: hubs.ly/Q0445M9M0

Deanna Darlington has spent more than 25 years working at the intersection of patient advocacy, public policy, and access to care. Throughout her career in biotechnology and oncology policy, including her work at Amgen and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, she focused on strengthening dialogue between patient communities, industry, and policymakers. In founding Links2Equity, she expanded that work to center underserved and underrepresented communities, advancing engagement across disease states and ensuring that patient voice informs access and reimbursement decisions nationwide. The Demeshia Montgomery Impact Award is named in honor of Demeshia “Deme” Montgomery, who served on the Patients Rising Board of Directors and as President of the Patient Senate. Deme believed deeply in preparing patients to lead, not simply to participate. Her leadership strengthened our advocacy community and helped elevate patient voices at every level of engagement. Deanna’s career reflects that same commitment to sustained, principled advocacy. This award recognizes the kind of long-term leadership that strengthens patient voice across organizations and across communities. Join us to honor Deanna at the Rise Awards on March 5! Learn more here: hubs.ly/Q0445Lpg0