S.Amdt. 6025

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Crapo and Mrs. Shaheen, aims to add a one-year pilot program to bill S. 4784. The purpose of this program is to have the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provide covered medications, which are defined as opioid overdose rescue medications like naloxone, to any veteran at no charge.

Key Provisions

• Access and Eligibility: The program must start no later than 120 days after the Act is enacted. Individuals can receive medication before their veteran status is confirmed if they provide contact information and a written self-attestation of their status.
• Priority Areas: The Secretary will prioritize areas where data shows a disproportionately high risk of overdose among veterans.
• Information Privacy: The Secretary can only collect the personally identifiable information needed to prescribe the medication. This information cannot be used to prevent employment or as evidence of drug use or addiction.
• Support Services: People receiving the medication must also receive information on how to use the medication and details about VA services for mental health, suicide prevention, and addiction.
• Accountability: The Secretary must submit a report to Congress 30 days before the program ends. This report must include the number of veterans served, an assessment of expanding the program to immediate family members, and recommendations on whether to continue or make the program permanent.