MaineGeneral Medical Center 340B Benefits
Fiscal Year 2024 Drug Savings: $29.5 Million
MaineGeneral Medical Center is a member of MaineGeneral Health. Our mission is to enhance, every day, the health of our patients, our families and our communities. Participation in the 340B program enables us to provide a full spectrum of health care services and life-saving prescriptions to our community.
As a 340B hospital, we purchase medications for qualified patients at reduced rates from pharmaceutical companies. All savings from this program are reinvested into other services and programs for our patients. Last fiscal year, MaineGeneral Medical Center provided nearly $31.3 million in uncompensated care. We remain committed to our patients, their families and each other, ensuring necessary care is provided regardless of financial gain or loss.
Please see a list below of some of the benefits provided to our community through this program.
340B Drug Pricing Program Benefits
Rural Access
As the sole community hospital, MaineGeneral Medical Center plays a crucial role in meeting the health care needs of our region. Our extensive service area includes remote towns in Central Maine, where many residents face challenges such as poverty, transportation issues, chronic diseases and health care literacy barriers. To improve access to essential services, we operate numerous family medicine practice sites from Gardiner to Oakland. Additionally, we employ financial counselors to help patients navigate available services and secure financial assistance.
Behavioral Health
MaineGeneral Medical Center, situated in Central Maine, serves a large behavioral health population. Our hospital features a dedicated behavioral health unit that provides essential services and works to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Despite the financial challenges posed by reimbursement rates across all payers, these services are crucial for our region. As many nearby organizations discontinue these services, our commitment to meeting this health care need is even more vital.
Additional Collaborations and Community Need
340B funds are essential for covering prescription drug costs for low-income and indigent patients upon discharge. These funds also support free primary care services for the unhoused population in our community. Additionally, they enable us to offer free classes that promote healthy living choices and to educate people about chronic disease management. The majority of the savings are dedicated to offering free services to low-income patients and their families who do not qualify for state or federal assistance.
Maintaining the 340B Program
MaineGeneral Medical Center is committed to addressing the health care needs of our community and ensuring patients receive the highest-quality care. We advocate to maintain essential services locally. Reducing or eliminating our participation in the 340B program would significantly jeopardize our ability to provide these critical services to our patients within this rural community.
