Bills · HR 5120
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5120Health
HANDS Act
INTRO SEP 3· LAST ACTION SEP 3
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it addresses the ongoing opioid crisis by making a critical life-saving drug more accessible. Opioid overdoses are a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and having an overdose reversal drug readily available can mean the difference between life and death. By ensuring no-cost coverage for individuals identified as high-risk upon discharge from healthcare facilities, the bill removes financial barriers that might prevent someone from acquiring this essential medication.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a reduction in opioid overdose fatalities by empowering patients and their families to respond quickly in an emergency. Without this law, individuals might continue to face significant costs or limited access to these drugs, potentially increasing the risk of fatal overdoses for those most vulnerable, even after receiving medical care in a hospital setting.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires Medicare to cover preventive opioid overdose reversal drugs at no cost.
This ensures that elderly individuals and those with disabilities covered by Medicare can obtain these life-saving drugs without any out-of-pocket expenses.
PROVISION 02
Requires Medicaid to cover preventive opioid overdose reversal drugs at no cost.
This makes the drug accessible to low-income individuals and families, who may be particularly vulnerable to the opioid crisis and less able to afford medications.
PROVISION 03
Requires TRICARE to cover preventive opioid overdose reversal drugs at no cost.
This extends the same no-cost coverage to military service members, veterans, and their families, ensuring equitable access across major federal health programs.
PROVISION 04
Defines 'preventive opioid overdose reversal drug' as an intranasal or intramuscular drug furnished by clinical personnel at discharge, only if the patient is determined to be at risk for an overdose and receives instructions.
This provision clarifies what drugs are covered, who can provide them, when they should be provided, and under what conditions, ensuring targeted and responsible distribution.
PROVISION 05
Establishes that these changes for no-cost coverage will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
This provides a clear timeline for when the expanded benefits will become available to beneficiaries.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
D· Colorado
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
46
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 67%
DEM 2 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 3
Introduced in House
SEP 3
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5120
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 3, 2025
Last actionSep 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 3, 2025
House BillHR 5120Health
HANDS Act
INTRODUCED SEP 3, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
