119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 5120
The HANDS Act requires Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover naloxone and other opioid overdose reversal drugs at no cost to patients when distributed by hospitals, emergency departments, and ambulatory surgical centers. Specifically, healthcare providers would furnish these drugs to patients identified as at-risk for opioid overdose at the time of discharge or when leaving the facility, along with administration instructions. The coverage takes effect January 1, 2026, and eliminates all cost-sharing—including deductibles and copayments—for eligible beneficiaries across all three programs. The bill also directs federal health agencies to issue guidance within one year to help hospitals bill for these drugs and to assist state licensing boards in removing regulatory barriers to their distribution. No provider is required to furnish the drugs, and the legislation does not specify new funding but instead amends existing insurance programs to cover this preventive treatment.