Rep. Kinzinger's Opioid Addiction Action Plan Passes House

Press Release

Today, the House passed by voice vote H.R. 5590, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop an "Opioid Addiction Action Plan" by January 1, 2019. This plan, which will include public input as well as the input and expertise of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), will specifically address ways in which Medicare and Medicaid can better address the opioid crisis.

In April 2018, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced this bipartisan measure with his colleagues Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Danny Davis (D-IL). Under H.R. 5590, Medicare and Medicaid policies will be more adaptable to innovative treatment for pain that would normally require opioid prescriptions and alternative solutions for treatment of substance abuse disorders.

After the House passage of the Opioid Addiction Action Plan, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement:

"Communities across the country are feeling the devastation of addiction, as the opioid drug epidemic plagues our neighbors, family, friends. The House has passed several pieces of legislation to combat this crisis and continues to push for solutions that will allow for better treatment, increased training for emergency personnel, and prevention methods to stop addiction before it starts.

"Last week, the House passed over 40 bills to fight back against the opioid crisis. Today, I'm proud to see my bill, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan, pass through the House. This bipartisan measure is needed to make Medicare and Medicaid more flexible, adaptable, and focused on preventing and treating addiction.

"Over the years, I have heard from constituents, medical experts, individuals struggling with addiction, emergency personnel, and others who are deeply affected by addiction. I'm grateful to each of them for sharing their stories and providing invaluable input on how best to combat this opioid epidemic. I'd also like to thank my colleagues Reps. Yvette Clark, Darin LaHood, Danny Davis, the entire Energy and Commerce Committee, and especially our staff. As a nation, we are making strides against the disease that is addiction, and to putting a stop to this epidemic -- but the fight continues. I remain dedicated to working with my colleagues and constituents to finding solutions that will address opioid abuse, prevent overdose and addiction, and save lives."

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