To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5999
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T18:50:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, H.R. 5999, aims to improve access to life-saving medications for veterans by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide opioid antagonists—drugs like naloxone that reverse opioid overdoses—without the need for a doctor's prescription or any out-of-pocket copayment. It addresses barriers to treatment in the ongoing opioid crisis, particularly for veterans at higher risk of opioid-related issues.
Key Provisions
- Mandatory Provision of Opioid Antagonists: The VA Secretary must supply an opioid antagonist to any veteran upon request, without requiring a prescription (added as new Section 1720M in Subchapter II of Chapter 17, Title 38, U.S. Code).
- No Copayment Required: Veterans receive these medications at no cost, eliminating any copayment fees (amends Section 1722A(a)(4) of Title 38, U.S. Code, by removing language that previously allowed copayments for certain medications).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- New Requirement for Access: Previously, veterans likely needed a prescription to obtain opioid antagonists through the VA, similar to standard pharmaceutical protocols. This bill removes that hurdle, making distribution direct and immediate.
- Copayment Exemption: Under prior law, veterans might have faced copayments for some medications (capped at $15 per 30-day supply in certain cases). The amendment fully exempts opioid antagonists from these fees, shifting the full cost to the VA.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update procedures for distributing these medications, potentially increasing administrative workload and inventory management, but without additional costs passed to veterans.
- On Citizens (Veterans): Enhances safety by enabling quicker access to overdose reversal drugs, which could reduce veteran mortality from opioids. It promotes self-management and reduces stigma around seeking help.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic veterans' health policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, especially those with opioid use disorders, substance abuse histories, or chronic pain managed with opioids.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for implementation, including supply chain and training for staff.
- Healthcare Providers: VA doctors and pharmacists may see reduced prescription-related workload, allowing focus on other care aspects.
- Veterans' Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the American Legion or opioid crisis nonprofits could support broader distribution efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens VA's role in preventive care under Title 38, aligning with federal mandates for veteran health services. No conflicts with drug regulation laws, as it operates within VA's authority to furnish medications.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; it upholds equal protection for veterans as a protected class under federal benefits programs.
- Political: Builds on bipartisan efforts to combat the opioid epidemic (e.g., via the SUPPORT Act), emphasizing veteran-specific support. Could set a precedent for barrier-free access to other emergency medications, potentially influencing future health legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-14: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-16: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-13: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-11-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-11-10: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-11-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment. — issued 2025-11-10 — PDF (2 pages)