Even as Congress crafts an opioid epidemic response package, it’s not clear it will tackle these concerns
In the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one bill being discussed would require all state Medicaid programs to cover at least one form of naloxone. Currently, not all state Medicaid programs do so.
A Senate bill would authorize $300 million annually to equip first responders with naloxone.
But critics say those approaches still don’t address the underlying problems: cost and funding.
“You can either make naloxone available, at a much discounted price, or we need to have a lot more resources in order to purchase it,” Dr. Wen said. “I don’t care which one. My only concern is the health and well-being of our residents.”
KHN’s coverage of prescription drug development, costs and pricing is supported by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation that is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.