HRSA Announces Action to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Life-Saving Medications at Health Centers Nationwide

June 24, 2025:  New Requirements Ensure Health Centers Provide Insulin and Injectable Epinephrine at Lower Costs to Patients

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced new steps to lower out-of-pocket costs for life-saving medications. In alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order “Lowering Drug Prices by Putting Americans First,” HRSA has issued updated award terms requiring HRSA-funded health centers to provide insulin and injectable epinephrine to low-income patients at or below the price paid by the center through the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

“Every American should be able to afford the prescription medications they rely on to live a healthy life,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “Today’s action ensures that HRSA-funded health centers pass these critical cost savings on to patients, helping millions maintain access to essential treatments. It reflects the Administration’s continued commitment to lower drug prices and Make America Healthy Again.”

This new requirement aims to improve access and affordability for two of the most vital medications in emergency and chronic care: insulin, used by millions of Americans to manage diabetes, and injectable epinephrine, critical for the treatment of severe allergic reactions. The high costs of these medications have posed a growing challenge for underserved populations. 

HRSA-funded health centers deliver comprehensive primary care—regardless of an individual’s ability to pay—to over 31 million patients through more than 15,500 service sites nationwide. Notably, more than 90% of health center patients have incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows eligible health care organizations to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. The savings generated help expand services, support outreach, and improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

Health centers are encouraged to begin implementing these updated award terms immediately to ensure full compliance and maximize patient benefit.

Source: HRSA

HRSA Administrator Engels Speaks with State Medicaid Directors

On June 11, HRSA Administrator Tom Engels participated in a fireside chat at the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) Annual Membership Meeting in Chicago. NAMD is funded through HRSA’s National Organizations of State and Local Officials (NOSLO) Program.

During the conversation, Administrator Engels discussed opportunities for collaboration between HRSA and state Medicaid programs, focusing on shared Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities. Addressing an audience of more than 150 Medicaid directors and senior leadership teams, he emphasized breaking down silos between federal and state programs, promoting radical transparency through enhanced data sharing and leveraging telehealth innovations to improve access to care. He also highlighted areas where HRSA and Medicaid programs can align to improve health outcomes, expand workforce development and support underserved communities.

While in Chicago, Administrator Engels also visited Lawndale Christian Health Center, where he learned about their comprehensive care model that features an integrated approach to primary care, including medical, dental and behavioral health services. He also toured their VeggieRx Produce Prescription Program, a partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden that provides patients with free produce boxes, nutrition counseling and cooking classes–an inspiring example of using food as medicine to improve community health outcomes.

Source: HRSA

HRSA Recognizes National HIV Testing Day

On June 27, HRSA recognized National HIV Testing Day, a day to emphasize the importance of individuals knowing their HIV status. When people know their status, they can take steps to protect their health and prevent transmission to others. For those who test positive, early diagnosis and prompt linkage to care through HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) and Health Center Program lead to improved health outcomes and viral suppression. In 2023, 90.6% of RWHAP clients reached viral suppression, highlighting the impact of connecting testing to comprehensive care.

Share FindHIVCare.hrsa.gov and FindAHealthCenter.hrsa.gov to help individuals find nearby health centers and RWHAP-funded medical providers who offer HIV testing, treatment and essential support services.

Source: HRSA

2025 HRSA Healthy Grants Workshop

Registration is open for the last two sessions of the 2025 Healthy Grants Workshop, scheduled for July 16 and August 13. There is no cost, and all HRSA award and sub-award recipients are encouraged to attend.

Visit the 2025 Healthy Grants Workshop Schedule webpage for information on workshop times, topics and presentations. You can also find links to previous Healthy Grants Workshop recordings on the Healthy Grants Workshops webpage.

For more information, contact the Healthy Grants Workshop team at HRSAGrantsWorkshop@hrsa.gov.​ 

Source: HRSA