Protecting pathways to affordable prescription drugs
Multiple pathways exist to keep medications affordable for OneWorld patients. That matters because access to prescription drugs is fundamental to the health of our communities, and essential in making sure people can work and care for their families. One pathway to affordability is the 340B Drug Discount Program, a federal program that helps health care providers like OneWorld, buy from participating drug manufacturers at a discount. Only patients of the health center may receive the benefit of the buying program. “All seven health centers in Nebraska participate in the 340B program and every center, even OneWorld, relies on contract pharmacies to support access for our patients, so that they may obtain their medications in their neighborhood,” said OneWorld CEO Andrea Skolkin during a legislative hearing. “The 340B program is critical to protecting access to medication for low-income Nebraskans, especially in rural communities.” Skolkin spoke on behalf of the Nebraska Health Care Association to members of the Nebraska
Legislature this spring, while supporting a bill (LB 168) to protect the integrity of the 340B program. The bill, which passed, protects a pharmacy’s ability to contract with a health center without interference from drug companies – and protects patients’ access to affordable drugs. The 340B program does not receive government funding; instead, the program requires drug manufacturers that participate in the Medicaid program to sell certain medications at a discount. That savings helps health care providers extend their own services. “Federal law mandates that health centers like OneWorld reinvest every dollar of 340B savings into programming that supports our health centers. At OneWorld, 340B savings supports the medical, dental and behavioral health care services we deliver to our 53,000 patients,” Skolkin said. The 340B program was created in 1992 as part of the Veterans Health Care Act. It is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In pharmacy deserts, community health centers serve as an oasis
Access to essential medication is not about affordability. Sometimes it’s about whether a pharmacy exists nearby. Nationwide pharmacy closures have created a growing number of pharmacy deserts, defined as low-income census tracts with low physical access to pharmacies. In Douglas County, 14 census tracts are considered pharmacy deserts, according to a 2024 study. Many, but not all, pharmacy
deserts in the study were in North and South Omaha. The study predated the closure of the South Omaha Walgreens that served many community members. As pharmacy deserts grow, community health centers – and pharmacies like OneWorld’s – become increasingly integral to patients and the broader community. All community members, regardless of patient status, are welcome to use the OneWorld Pharmacy.
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ISSUE 2 2025 | EXCHANGE
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