340B tightens, fraud enforcement doubles, cybersecurity updates
Supply Chain Pulse — 2026-03-06
Two major pharma companies are restricting 340B access just as federal fraud enforcement doubles to 183 cases—with AI now in the mix. Plus, new FDA cybersecurity guidance aligns with quality management requirements, and provider consolidation continues with CHS selling four more facilities.
Quick Hits
- CHS to sell 4 more hospitals in $112M deal, closing Q2 2026 (Modern Healthcare)
- Esperion acquires Corstasis, expanding cardiovascular drug portfolio with FDA-approved Enbumyst (Pharmaceutical Business Review)
- Rallybio merges with Candid Therapeutics, will trade as CDRX on Nasdaq (Pharmaceutical Business Review)
- SCWorx lands new SaaS customer supporting southeastern healthcare provider's Workday platform (Manila Times)
- Supply chain podcast: Milissa Bergman discusses sustainability lessons and smart sourcing strategies (PI World)
Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly tighten 340B oversight as providers fume
Major insulin manufacturers are implementing stricter oversight of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, potentially limiting safety-net providers' access to discounted medications. This escalates ongoing tensions that could impact your facility's drug procurement costs, especially if you serve vulnerable populations. Expect more administrative burden in proving 340B eligibility.
Providers on defense as feds ramp up fraud enforcement, deploy AI
The DOJ initiated 183 healthcare fraud cases in fiscal 2025—more than double the previous year—and is now using AI to detect suspicious billing patterns. Supply chain teams should review procurement documentation and vendor relationships, as enforcement is targeting everything from medical device kickbacks to phantom billing schemes. The AI component means pattern recognition will catch irregularities faster than ever.
White House announces healthcare fraud crackdown, withholds $259M from Minnesota Medicaid
The administration is withholding $259 million in Minnesota Medicaid funding as the opening salvo in a broader fraud enforcement initiative. This signals increased scrutiny of Medicaid reimbursements and could affect supply chain operations at facilities heavily dependent on Medicaid patients. Expect tighter documentation requirements and potential payment delays.
No Surprises Act disputes surge 39% as providers, insurers battle reimbursement
Nearly 1.2 million disputes were filed in the first half of 2025 under the No Surprises Act's arbitration process, up 39% from late 2024. This surge indicates ongoing payment uncertainty that could impact your revenue forecasting and vendor negotiations, particularly for emergency and out-of-network services. Budget for potential arbitration costs and longer payment cycles.
FDA issues revised cybersecurity guidance aligning with quality management systems
The FDA has updated premarket cybersecurity requirements to align with Quality Management System regulations, creating clearer pathways for medical device approvals. Supply chain teams should work with IT and clinical engineering to ensure new device acquisitions meet these integrated standards. This could streamline procurement while strengthening security protocols.
You're receiving this because you subscribed to Supply Chain Pulse, a daily brief for healthcare supply chain professionals. Unsubscribe