This page contains information on legal protections for carrying and using naloxone, and where to get it.
PA Act 139 - Standing Order
A "standing order" signed in October 2015 allows any Pennsylvanian to fill a prescription for naloxone without first getting a prescription from a doctor.
The enactment of ACT 139 - "David's Law"- provides first responders, friends and families access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medicine that will save lives.
PA Act 139 and the October 2015 standing order allow individuals to obtain prescription for naloxone, and fill those prescriptions. The Standing Order is a pre-written medication order. The Standing Order allows pharmacies to dispense medication, rather than needing a separate prescription written out to each individual by his/her personal physician for the medication. Various pharmacies may have their own standing orders on file. To use the Standing Order, ask your pharmacist for naloxone. Some pharmacists are not aware of the Standing Order so you may need to explain that one exists and it allows anyone to obtain naloxone. More information about the Standing Order can be found here.
(Note that in some instances, insurance may not pay for a prescription that is not written for/issued to a specific individual by name. In this instance, it may still be helpful to acquire a prescription written by a healthcare provider to a particular person.) Insurance will be billed to the insurance carrier of the person whose name is on the prescription. If there is no prescription, the insurance will be billed for the person requesting the medication, even if they will use that medication on another person. If an individual states that the medication is for someone else, that person's insurance will be billed. Therefore, it is ideal for an individual going to a pharmacy to come with a prescription, or state that they want their insurance billed
The enactment of ACT 139 - "David's Law"- provides first responders, friends and families access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medicine that will save lives.
PA Act 139 and the October 2015 standing order allow individuals to obtain prescription for naloxone, and fill those prescriptions. The Standing Order is a pre-written medication order. The Standing Order allows pharmacies to dispense medication, rather than needing a separate prescription written out to each individual by his/her personal physician for the medication. Various pharmacies may have their own standing orders on file. To use the Standing Order, ask your pharmacist for naloxone. Some pharmacists are not aware of the Standing Order so you may need to explain that one exists and it allows anyone to obtain naloxone. More information about the Standing Order can be found here.
(Note that in some instances, insurance may not pay for a prescription that is not written for/issued to a specific individual by name. In this instance, it may still be helpful to acquire a prescription written by a healthcare provider to a particular person.) Insurance will be billed to the insurance carrier of the person whose name is on the prescription. If there is no prescription, the insurance will be billed for the person requesting the medication, even if they will use that medication on another person. If an individual states that the medication is for someone else, that person's insurance will be billed. Therefore, it is ideal for an individual going to a pharmacy to come with a prescription, or state that they want their insurance billed
Pharmacies Known to Carry Naloxone in the Kensington Area
Even though all pharmacies can carry naloxone, not all of them do. You may need to educate the pharmacist about the standing order. The pharmacies listed below are known to reguarly carry naloxone and to understand the standing order.
Insurance Coverage and Naloxone
Medicaid and Medicare programs cover the cost of naloxone with no co-pay. Most private insurance covers naloxone, but the co-pay varies.
