A comprehensive package to fight the growing problem of heroin abuse is set to become law in Illinois.

The Senate joined the House in overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s partial veto of the bill requiring Medicaid coverage for treatment of heroin overdoses and addiction services.

“Young men and women will end up being in emergency rooms, they’ll be incarcerated, they’ll be homeless, and the loss of productivity to our community, and our state will be immeasurable” says State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge).

The bill also requires police departments and fire stations to stock medication that counters a heroin overdose and strengthens prescription monitoring rules to prevent addicts from shopping around for painkillers.

 

 

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