WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 19, 2018) – Today, the House passed a bill that Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) helped introduce, the Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018 (H.R. 5684), as part of the PASS Act of 2018 (H.R. 5773). Following passage, the Congresswoman released the following statement. 

“The opioid epidemic is wreaking havoc in communities across the country, including here in Eastern Washington,” said McMorris Rodgers. “The American people called on us to act, and that’s what we’re doing. This bill with help with prevention of opioid abuse among seniors by expanding eligibility for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services for Medicare beneficiaries who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse. Counseling like this has been shown to reduce the risk of addiction in at-risk populations. No one can fight this battle alone — nor should they have to. Addiction knows no race, color, creed, or political party. It works to tear our communities apart, to tear our families apart. We can’t let it any longer.” 

NOTE: McMorris Rodgers joined Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) in introducing the Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018 in May of this year. Learn more about this legislation by CLICKING HERE. 

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