340B Hospitals Provide Vital Care for Rural and Small-Town New Yorkers

Retired police officer and union leader argues the 340B program is essential for community health providers

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:25pm

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In an op-ed, retired New York police officer and former union leader Ryan Law argues that the 340B drug discount program is a critical lifeline for rural and small-town hospitals across the state, allowing them to provide affordable care to low-income patients. Law says the program is under threat from drug industry lobbying, and urges politicians to see firsthand how 340B supports communities that are often overlooked in policy debates.

Why it matters

The 340B program allows safety-net hospitals and clinics to purchase discounted prescription drugs, using the savings to provide affordable care and services to underserved populations. As health care costs continue to rise, 340B is essential for keeping community providers open and able to meet the needs of all patients, regardless of their income or location.

The details

The 340B program was established in 1992 to require drug manufacturers to provide discounts on outpatient drugs to eligible health care providers that serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients. Law, a disabled veteran and former police union leader, says these discounts allow rural and small-town hospitals in New York to stay open and provide high-quality care that would otherwise be unaffordable. However, drug industry lobbyists are now working to dismantle the 340B program, claiming the discounts are too costly.

  • The 340B program was established in 1992.
  • Drug industry lobbyists are currently working to dismantle the 340B program in New York and at the federal level.

The players

Ryan Law

A retired police officer and former President of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State Police, who is a disabled veteran and advocate for community health care providers.

340B Program

A federal program that requires drug manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs at discounted prices to eligible health care providers that serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients.

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What they’re saying

“Quality health care shouldn't depend on your income or your zip code. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and to receive the best care possible.”

— Ryan Law, Retired police officer and former union leader

“340B is a lifeline for so many communities, and protecting it means protecting them.”

— Ryan Law, Retired police officer and former union leader

What’s next

Lawmakers in New York and at the federal level will continue to debate the future of the 340B program as drug industry lobbying efforts intensify.

The takeaway

The 340B program is a critical source of affordable care for low-income patients in rural and small-town communities across New York. Dismantling the program would jeopardize the ability of safety-net hospitals and clinics to serve their most vulnerable residents, highlighting the need for policymakers to understand the real-world impact of their decisions on local communities.