Landsman, Van Orden introduce bill to increase veterans access to meds

ContributedCongressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) and Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03) introduced commonsense legislation to increase veterans access to non-opioid pain medications.The opioid epidemic has impacted every demographic in the United States. In response, Congress passed the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act in 2022 so seniors on Medicare have access to and never pay more for non-opioid pain management medications.To ensure veterans have the same access, Congressman Landsman and Congressman Van Orden introduced the NOPAIN for Veterans Act – legislation that would reform the way the Department of Veterans Affairs offers and covers non-opioid pain management drugs.The NOPAIN for Veterans Act would require that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs list and cover all non-opioid pain management drugs under VA pharmacy benefits. It would also mandate that these drugs be included on the VA Drug Standardization List, preventing them from being substituted with alternatives.Congressman Landsman:“By making non-opioid pain management options more affordable and available to veterans, we can take a big step in preventing addiction and substance abuse. These lists will provide safer alternatives, prioritize the health of veterans, and contribute to the overall effort of ending the opioid epidemic.”Congressman Van Orden:“Veterans deserve the best care possible, and...