Federal lawmakers and Gov. Malloy are pushing for increased treatment of heroin addiction and more access to the overdose reversing drug naloxone for first responders and citizens who want to purchase the medication.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2nd) has introduced a House bill that would authorize $600 million in emergency funding for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to fund a range of programs aimed at treating the public health emergency brought on by drug addiction, as well as funding law enforcement efforts to end the illegal drug trade.
Malloy announced he is introducing legislation during this session that would require municipalities to train and provide first responders with naloxone.
The bill would prohibit commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone. Malloy said in a statement no commercial health plans currently require prior authorization, but the imposition of such a requirement could pose a significant barrier to individuals requesting the drug.
The governor said Connecticut State Police troopers have saved 63 lives by using a 2014 state law that authorizes anyone to administer an opioid antagonist to a person he or she believes, in good faith, is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. Previously, only licensed healthcare practitioners were allowed to administer the medication without civil or criminal liability.
The cost of one dose of the drug is $35. Malloy said municipalities would be able to afford the cost without state aid.
