May 29, 2018

The Honorable Kathy Castor

United States House of Representatives
2052 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Castor,

I am writing to express our support for new policies that will increase access to the overdose
reversing drug, naloxone. We believe Congress should support a change in policy that would improve
access to naloxone through co-prescription and prevent accidental overdoses that are hurting our
communities throughout the state.

The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC) takes pride in helping Floridians,
particularly minorities in communities throughout Florida. Our voice includes more than 80,000
small businesses, their employers and their families, and we partner with more than 40 local
Hispanic associations throughout the state.

The CDC understands the importance of Naloxone and they recommend that it be co-prescribed to
all patients receiving high doses of opioids, for patients who take opioids in combination with some
other medications, and for those who have a history of substance use disorder, knowing that these
patients have a higher likelihood of misuse or accidental overdose.

This proposal is also cost effective. A NIH funded study showed that patients who received naloxone
had 63% fewer opioid-related ER visits per month in the year following receipt of the prescription.
The average cost of an opioid related ICU visit is over $92,000. Considering Medicaid and Medicare
pay for more than 50% and 68% of opioid related ED visits and hospitalizations, this policy change is
also a fiscal win.

It is extremely important that individuals who are under the care of Medicare and Medicaid are
protected. The Federal Government needs to follow their own advice and change CMS guidelines and
payment incentives to increase access to this overdose reversing drug.

Encouraging co-prescription for Medicare and Medicaid patients and those at-risk individuals
identified by the Surgeon General is the first step towards reversing accidental opioid overdoses.
Minority residents throughout the state will benefit from this proposed policy. As the opioid debate
continues in Congress, I urge you and your colleagues to advocate for the importance of mandating
naloxone co-prescription for these individuals in future opioid legislation considered by Congress.

Sincerely,

Julio Fuentes
President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce