# The HANDS Act: Free Overdose Reversal Medication When You Leave the Hospital

This bill makes overdose reversal drugs like naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) free for people when they're discharged from hospitals, emergency rooms, or surgical centers. Starting January 1, 2026, if a doctor determines you're at risk for an opioid overdose, they'll give you the medication at no cost along with instructions on how to use it. This applies to people covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and military health insurance (TRICARE).

The key benefit is that there's absolutely no cost to you—no copay, no deductible, no insurance cost-sharing of any kind. Whether you have traditional Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicaid, or military coverage, the medication will be completely covered. The bill specifically targets people leaving hospitals or emergency departments who healthcare providers think might be at risk of overdosing on opioids, recognizing that these are often critical moments when someone might need this lifesaving medication.

The bill also directs federal health agencies to create guidance for hospitals and state pharmacy boards to make it easier for these facilities to safely distribute the drugs and remove any unnecessary barriers. However, hospitals and healthcare providers aren't required to give out the medication—it's up to them to decide whether to participate. The practical effect is that people at high risk for opioid overdose will have better access to a medication that can reverse an overdose and potentially save their lives, without worrying about the cost.