Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023

Bill: 118-hr-4005
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2]
Introduced: 2023-06-12
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Drug therapy

Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

Government studies and investigations

Health care costs and insurance

Health care coverage and access

Medicaid

Medicare

Prescription drugs
Latest action: action_date: 2023-06-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-06-12
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023</b></p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p><br> </p>

tv_txt: I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4005 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 12, 2023 Ms. Kuster (for herself, Ms. Blunt Rochester , and Ms. Craig ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on naloxone access.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Naloxone Affordability Act of 2023 . 2. Study on naloxone access (a) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on actions that may be taken to ensure appropriate access and affordability of naloxone for individuals seeking to purchase naloxone. Such study shall address what is known about— (1) coverage of naloxone (in any available form), including whether naloxone can be covered as an over-the-counter drug under a group health plan or group or individual health insurance coverage (as such terms are defined in section 2791 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300gg–91 )) or for individuals entitled to benefits under part A or enrolled under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. ) or receiving medical assistance under a State plan under title XIX of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. ) or a waiver of such plan; (2) the out-of-pocket cost to consumers purchasing naloxone— (A) with a prescription, with and without coverage under any such plan or coverage; (B) over the counter, with and without coverage under any such plan or coverage; and (C) pursuant to a standing order; and (3) other factors impacting coverage, including barriers in covering naloxone as an over-the-counter drug, the relative net costs of naloxone when purchased over the counter without insurance coverage compared to when purchased with a prescription and covered under a group health plan or health insurance coverage, and the availability of naloxone purchased and distributed through public health entities. (b) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that contains the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).