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Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:07 PM

Summary of Bill S 1373

Bill 118 s 1373, 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, reduce barriers to generic drug entry into the market, and establish a price ceiling for naloxone products. Additionally, the bill calls for increased funding for naloxone distribution programs and education initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of naloxone in combating the opioid crisis.

Supporters of the bill argue that making naloxone more affordable will save lives and help prevent overdose deaths. They believe that by lowering the cost of naloxone, more individuals will have access to this life-saving medication, ultimately reducing the impact of the opioid epidemic on communities across the country. Opponents of the bill may argue that government intervention in drug pricing could have unintended consequences, such as discouraging innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. They may also raise concerns about the potential cost of implementing the provisions outlined in the bill. Overall, the Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023 aims to address the urgent need for affordable naloxone and improve access to this critical medication for individuals at risk of opioid overdose. The bill represents a bipartisan effort to combat the opioid crisis and save lives in communities across the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 1373

Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs for naloxone as an over-the-counter medication.

Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses opioid overdoses. Historically, naloxone required a prescription and so was typically covered by health insurance. However, the Food and Drug Administration approved a naloxone nasal spray (sold under the brand name Narcan) for use without a prescription on March 29, 2023, and health insurance does not generally cover over-the-counter medications.

Current Status of Bill S 1373

Bill S 1373 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 27, 2023. Bill S 1373 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on April 27, 2023.  Bill S 1373's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of April 27, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1373

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1373

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1373

Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023
Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023
A bill to increase access to medication for opioid overdose reversal, and for other purposes.

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