Favorable
Committee: Health & Government Operations
HB 0736
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) offers testimony in support of House Bill 736. The Catholic Conference is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
House Bill 736 would mandate the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and other health plans and organizations to cover nonprescription naloxone hydrochloride and other FDA-approved drugs for the reversal of opioid overdoses.
The opioid epidemic has inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering on individuals and families across our communities. Catholic social teaching calls us to prioritize the common good and well-being of every person. It is our duty to respond to this crisis with empathy and concrete actions. Providing access to overdose reversal medications is a crucial step in saving lives and offering hope to those struggling with addiction.
This legislation acknowledges the severity of the opioid crisis and takes tangible steps to address it. By required coverage for these reversal drugs without imposing excessive copayments or coinsurance requirements, the legislation ensures that these life-saving medications are accessible to those who need them most, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The MCC appreciates your consideration and, for these reasons, respectfully requests a favorable report on House Bill 736.