WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation that would expand access to opioid overdose rescue medications for veterans and their caregivers through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The proposal, titled the End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026, would require VA pharmacies nationwide — including those serving Idaho veterans — to provide opioid overdose rescue medications, such as naloxone, without a prescription and at no cost. The bill is co-sponsored by Jeanne Shaheen .

If enacted, the legislation would allow eligible veterans and their approved caregivers to obtain the medication directly from VA pharmacies. The bill also requires that recipients receive information on proper use when the medication is dispensed.

The legislation places limits on how personal information collected during distribution may be used. Under the bill, that information could not be used as evidence of drug use, addiction, unlawful substance use, or for employment-related decisions .

The measure would also require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report to Congress within two years of implementation, followed by annual reports. Those reports would include data on how many veterans and caregivers receive overdose rescue medications, trends in use, and whether expanding access to additional family members or non-VA health care providers is feasible .

According to background information accompanying the bill, VA pharmacies currently provide naloxone to veterans at no cost, but a prescription from a provider is required. The proposed legislation would remove that requirement, allowing direct access at VA pharmacies .

The bill has been referred to committee for further consideration. No timeline has been announced for additional legislative action.