# US Medicare reimbursement and drug access policy debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-medicare-reimbursement-and-drug-access-policy-debate > Updated: 2026-09-23T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Medicare policy changes regarding hospital funding and drug access have become a point of significant concern for healthcare providers and advocacy groups. Initial reports highlighted potential financial instability for hospitals due to proposed rules for the outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS). These provisions could reduce Medicare reimbursements for 340B-acquired drugs by an estimated $4.55 billion to $4.85 billion, leading hospital leaders to warn of possible hiring freezes, pay cuts, and layoffs. Additionally, while the Inflation Reduction Act aimed to lower costs through drug price negotiations, data from early 2026 indicated that approximately 24% of patients faced initial prescription rejections, with particularly high rates in oncology and immunology sectors due to insurer practices like prior authorizations. In response to these developments, the AMCP has begun tracking various 340B reform proposals within the 119th Congress. The organization has also submitted formal comments on proposed payment systems for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, advocating for policies that prioritize transparency and beneficiary access to therapy while avoiding fragmented incentives. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: AMCP tracks 340B reform proposals in 119th Congress The AMCP is tracking 340B reform proposals in the 119th Congress and has provided comments on Medicare payment rules to ensure drug access and price transparency. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amcp-tracks-340b-reform-proposals-in-119th-congress ### 2026-08-31: Medicare policies face scrutiny over hospital funding and drug access Hospitals warn of severe revenue losses due to proposed Medicare 340B reimbursement cuts, while new data shows high prescription rejection rates for negotiated drugs despite pricing reforms. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medicare-policies-face-scrutiny-over-hospital-funding-and-drug-access --- Cite as: US Medicare reimbursement and drug access policy debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-medicare-reimbursement-and-drug-access-policy-debate