VA would give veterans free naloxone without a prescription
In markupS. 3758Latest action
Sponsor: Jeanne Shaheen · Senator · NH
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill requires the VA to provide free, no-prescription overdose rescue medication to veterans and their caregivers.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026 would require the VA to distribute opioid overdose rescue medications, like naloxone, for free and without a prescription at VA pharmacies. Recipients would also get instructions on proper use. The bill sets privacy protections limiting how the VA can use collected information.
Who does it affect?
Eligible veterans and their caregivers enrolled in VA caregiver support programs are directly affected. The VA health system would be responsible for implementing the program.
Why does it matter?
Privacy limits are meant to prevent the VA from using overdose-medication requests to deny employment or as evidence of drug use history. The VA must report to Congress on program usage and possible expansion to family members or non-VA providers.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 2, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Mar 18, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.