Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023

Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study access to and affordability of naloxone (a medication that temporarily reverses opioid overdoses). The study must address matters related to out-of-pocket costs that consumers pay for naloxone and coverage for naloxone as an over-the-counter drug through Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.

Historically, naloxone required a prescription and so was typically covered by health insurance. However, the Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan (a naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray) for use without a prescription on March 29, 2023, and health insurance does not generally cover over-the-counter medications.

Bill 118 HR 4005, also known as the Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023, aims to address the rising cost of naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. The bill seeks to make naloxone more affordable and accessible to individuals and communities in need.

The key provisions of the bill include measures to increase competition among naloxone manufacturers, such as allowing for the importation of generic versions of the medication. Additionally, the bill proposes to establish a grant program to help states and localities purchase naloxone at discounted rates, ensuring that this critical medication is readily available in emergency situations.

Furthermore, the Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023 includes provisions to expand education and training programs on naloxone administration, particularly targeting at-risk populations and first responders. By increasing awareness and access to naloxone, the bill aims to reduce the number of opioid-related deaths and overdoses across the country. Overall, Bill 118 HR 4005 seeks to address the opioid crisis by making naloxone more affordable and accessible, ultimately saving lives and improving public health outcomes.