Senators on both sides of the aisle expressed support for reforming the 340B drug discount program during a Thursday hearing of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee — though lawmakers also cautioned that a careful approach is needed to ensure changes don’t harm rural hospitals and health centers.

The hearing centered around concerns that 340B, although well-intentioned, has grown too large and may not ultimately benefit patients.

The program was created more than 30 years ago to allow healthcare providers that serve large populations of low-income patients to buy outpatient drugs at a significantly discounted rate . However, it’s grown massively over the years. Over 60,000 participants now use 340B, a more than 600% since 2000 , according to a report authored by H

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