Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital 340B Benefits

FY23 savings: $2,770,176

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital is a member of Northern Light Health, and as a member, we are committed to building a better healthcare system for all the people of Maine. Our mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. Participation in the 340B program helps us to provide comprehensive healthcare services and life-saving prescriptions to our community. 

As a 340B hospital, we purchase medications for qualified patients at a reduced rates from drug companies. The savings are reinvested in services and programs that benefit the patients we serve. While some services are covered by insurance, some Medicare and MaineCare services are reimbursed at payment rate below the actual cost to provide care. Other services provide significant benefit to our patients but are not covered by any insurance program. In addition to programs and services in the areas identified below, Sebasticook Valley Hospital experienced losses associated to free “charity” care provided last fiscal year amounting to $383,000. We are committed to our patients, their families, and each other and will provide the care needed, no matter what the situation.

Please see a list below of some of the benefits provided to our community through this program.

340B Program Benefits

Specialist Care 
We understand the challenge that patients and families experience when they travel long distances to access specialty care. Savings from the 340B program helps support Sebasticook Valley Hospital specialists to care for patients in our local community as the cost of providing these services exceeds the reimbursement we receive. 
 
Transportation Support
The 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment report documents that access to affordable and reliable transportation in Somerset County was problematic resulting in difficulty accessing health services. Transportation is further complicated for older adults with mobility impairments. Sebasticook Valley Hospital provides transportation to any of our patients living in the communities that we serve.

Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Services
Understanding, accessing and monitoring prescription medications can be a significant burden for many patients. This is especially true in an aging population with many chronic conditions.  Sebasticook Valley Hospital supports our patients’ medication needs through the placement of an integrated clinical pharmacist in its primary care practices. The pharmacist works with patients, providers and care team members through consults for polypharmacy, diabetic care, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and other chronic condition management. The pharmacist’s role is essential in effectively and safely navigating the complex pharmaceutical care of the Sebasticook Valley Hospital patient population. 

Patient Support to Navigate Health Care Services
Some of our most vulnerable patients have difficulty accessing and navigating the complex healthcare delivery system. Sebasticook Valley Hospital has a Patient Navigator Program, available for any patient who needs assistance. With 340B savings, Sebasticook Valley Hospital can continue to provide this valuable service to our community.

The Importance of Maintaining the 340B Program
As Mainers, we are in this together. And, at Northern Light Health, we are dedicated to ensuring our communities have access to the very best in healthcare. We tirelessly advocate to make sure essential services are maintained close to home for you. Reducing or eliminating our participation in the 340B program would greatly increase the risk of not being able to provide these services to our patients.