HANDS Act

This bill would make overdose-reversal medicines for opioids available at no cost to people who are at risk and are leaving a hospital, emergency room, or ambulatory surgery center. A doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other approved clinical staff could give the medicine at discharge, along with simple use instructions. The medicine can be a nasal spray or an injection. This only applies when the clinician decides the person is at risk for an overdose.

Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare and Medicare Advantage must cover these drugs with no deductibles or co-pays. Medicaid must also cover them without cost-sharing, including for people in alternative benefit plans. TRICARE will not charge co-pays for these drugs either. Within a year of the law taking effect, the FDA will issue guidance to state pharmacy, nursing, and medical boards to help hospitals safely give out these medicines and remove barriers. The federal health agency will also guide hospitals on billing. Providers are not forced to hand out the medicine; this just makes coverage and guidance clear.

Key points

• Who is affected: Patients at risk for opioid overdose who are being discharged from hospitals, ERs, or ambulatory surgery centers; people with Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE; hospitals and clinical staff.
• What changes: No-cost coverage for overdose-reversal drugs given at discharge, plus federal guidance to streamline safe dispensing and hospital billing.
• When: Coverage begins January 1, 2026; guidance due within one year of enactment.