House approves bill expanding treatment for opioid abuse

WASHINGTON — The House has overwhelmingly approved legislation designed to give health care providers more tools to stem an opioid crisis that is killing more than 115 people in the United States daily.

The legislation passed Friday by a vote of 396-14. It incorporates dozens of opioid-related bills that lawmakers have made a campaign-season priority.

In urging the passage of the bill, many lawmakers told personal stories about how opioid abuse has affected constituents, family and friends.

The bill encourages states to increase coverage of treatment for substance abuse disorders through Medicaid. Foster youth and former prisoners are among the populations targeted for enhanced coverage of their treatment. The legislation also seeks to expand the use of medications to treat opioid abuse.