Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
No One Should Be 'Unable To Save A Life Because Of The High Price' Of Naloxone, Senators Say
The Hill: Senators Push HHS To Negotiate Lower Prices On Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug
A group of senators is urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take measures to reduce the price of a potentially life-saving medication reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. An estimated 115 people die per day of an overdose involving an opioid. Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 13 Democratic senators signed a letter from Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) to call on HHS to negotiate a cheaper price for naloxone, which comes in the form of an injection or a nasal spray and is used to reverse opioid overdoses. (Roubein, 4/18)
CQ: Congress Weighs Approach On Opioids As House Schedules Markup
"No police officer, no firefighter, no public health provider, and no person should be unable to save a life because of the high price," the letter reads. "By bringing down the cost, we can get this life-saving drug in the hands of more people as called for by the Surgeon General. Doing so will save countless lives." The senators also urged Azar to "ensure affordable coverage for individuals with health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, and individual and employer sponsored plans." (Raman, 4/18)
The Hill: Republicans Refuse To Back Opioids Bill Sponsored By Vulnerable Dem
Republicans are declining to back Democratic measures that would crack down on suspicious opioid shipments — including legislation offered by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), one of the most vulnerable members up for reelection this year. McCaskill said she has approached multiple Republicans about backing her bill, and all have refused. (Sullivan, 4/18)
The Hill: Warren, Cummings Seek $100B To Fight Opioid Epidemic
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) introduced a bill to provide $100 billion in funding over 10 years to address the opioid crisis. This legislation would amount to a significant infusion of new federal dollars aimed at curbing the opioid crisis, which is leading to thousands of deaths each year. (Roubein, 4/18)
