SPRINGFIELD – A new law in Illinois will make naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, more accessible, with strong support from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Naloxone is a life-saving medication,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The more accessible naloxone is, the better chance we have at saving someone from succumbing to their addiction.”

The new law will prohibit insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses.

More than 75,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2020 – and in one out of three cases, a bystander was present who could have saved the person’s life, had naloxone been available. 

House Bill 4408 was signed into law Thursday.