Mason’s Story: How 340B Helped a Young Boy Thrive

When Mason Helmerichs was just 18 months old, his family’s world changed. He was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE), a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus. For Mason, this meant food getting stuck, vomiting, and poor weight gain. Food allergies cause this. His parents worked tirelessly to discover which foods triggered his condition, but the process was long and difficult—each answer only came through food trials and biopsies performed during surgery. Over the years, Mason has endured 14 endoscopies and followed strict, often frightening diets. At one point he was following a Gluten, Dairy, Egg and Pea Free diet.

Despite these efforts, Mason struggled to grow. He fell far below his genetic growth curve, and his family faced an impossible choice: a feeding tube or growth hormone therapy. Growth hormone was the less invasive answer, but their insurance denied coverage.

Without affordable access, the family had to go months at a time without treatment. They even resorted to using an out-of-state pharmacy, which created further challenges. The medication needed to stay cold, but shipping delays to their rural home often left doses damaged or unusable. The stress of deciding between medical costs and everyday family needs weighed heavily—especially with Mason’s two siblings also to care for.

Then came a lifeline: the 340B Drug program. Thanks to the dedication of Mason’s provider, Annie Crumbaker, co-workers at Community HealthCare System, and the caring team at the Frankfort Clinic and Onaga Pharmacy, Mason was able to access his growth hormone locally at an affordable cost. Not only that, but the pharmacy ensured he had the supplies needed to safely administer the medication.

The difference has been life-changing. Before growth hormone therapy, Mason grew barely half an inch in a year. Now, after consistent treatment, he has grown three inches in just one year—a huge milestone for a little boy with such a big journey ahead.

The 340B program has given Mason’s family more than just medicine—it has given them hope. No more skipped doses. No more impossible financial trade-offs. Just the chance for Mason to thrive and reach his full potential.

For families in rural communities, programs like 340B are vital. They make essential medications affordable, reduce the burden on families, and ensure that children like Mason don’t have to go without the care they need to grow, learn, and live fully. As Mason’s mom, Beth put it, “The health of my child is my first priority. With access to the 340B program, I can make this a reality.”

What is the 340B Drug Pricing Program?

Congress established the 340B program in 1992 through the Veterans Health Care Act.

Named after Section 340B of the Public Health Services Act, the program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers that participate in Medicaid to sell specific outpatient drugs to eligible providers at discounted prices.

Congress created the 340B program to help safety-net hospitals and clinics expand resources and care for underserved communities.

By requiring pharmaceutical companies to offer deep discounts on outpatient drugs, the program has become a hallmark resource to help health systems support vulnerable patients.