Disappointed, but not surprised. That was my reaction to the news that two more pharmaceutical groups are suing the state of North Dakota over a new law designed to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a lifeline for rural hospitals. At a time when rural hospitals are struggling to stay afloat, it’s disheartening – but not surprising – that drug companies are prioritizing profits over access to local, high-quality health care.

A recent study by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found that 759 rural hospitals nationwide are at risk of closing; 322 of them are at “immediate risk.” In North Dakota, those numbers are 14 and four, respectively. Eliminate 340B savings, and the outlook becomes even more dire.

Without the 340B program, many critical access hospitals will

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