Vermont FQHC Opens Three 340B Pharmacies Amid Statewide Closures
North Star Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, opened pharmacies in Springfield and Londonderry, Vermont, and Charlestown, New Hampshire, in September 2026, leveraging 340B drug pricing to charge patients less than commercial pharmacies. Vermont lost 28 pharmacies between 2019 and 2024, leaving pharmacy deserts in Windsor and Rutland counties where North Star operates. The Springfield pharmacy began operations in November 2025 for out-of-pocket and commercial patients and now contracts with Medicare and Medicaid. The 340B discount allows North Star to offset losses from low primary care and behavioral health reimbursement, according to CEO Josh Dufresne.
FQHCs using 340B to expand pharmacy access address network adequacy gaps for Medicaid managed care plans in areas where retail pharmacy closures limit beneficiary access to prescriptions.
Pharmacy · Managed Care
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