An opioid overdose can turn fatal in minutes, but New York State has put two powerful tools in place to save lives: the Good Samaritan Law and widely available naloxone. For New York State and government employees — and their families — understanding both can make the difference between life and death. This article is general education, not legal or medical advice; always consult qualified professionals for guidance on your specific situation.
Fear of legal consequences stops many people from calling 911 during an overdose. New York's Good Samaritan Law (Public Health Law § 3000-a) is designed to remove that barrier. Under the law, a person who, in good faith, seeks emergency medical help for someone experiencing an overdose may receive limited protection from prosecution for certain drug-related offenses. The person experiencing the overdose may also receive similar protections.
Key points about the law:
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and the state Department of Health promote the Good Samaritan Law as a key harm-reduction tool alongside naloxone distribution. If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately and do not leave the person alone.
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), naloxone binds to the same brain receptors as opioids and blocks their effects, restoring breathing within minutes. It is safe — it has no harmful effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system — and it comes in easy-to-use forms including a nasal spray (Narcan or Kloxxado) and an auto-injector.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that naloxone be accessible to anyone at risk of opioid overdose or who may witness one — including family members, friends, and colleagues. Because much of today's opioid supply contains illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is far more potent than most opioids, more than one dose of naloxone may be needed to reverse a fentanyl-related overdose. Always call 911, even after giving naloxone, because the medication wears off faster than many opioids and emergency care may still be needed.
Knowing the signs of an overdose is just as important as having naloxone on hand. According to MedlinePlus, opioid overdose signs include:
If you see these signs, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone, and stay with the person until emergency help arrives. Try to put the person in the recovery position (on their side) to protect their airway.
New York has made naloxone broadly accessible. Under state regulations, naloxone is available at many pharmacies without an individual prescription, through standing orders issued by public health officials. OASAS and the New York State Department of Health have worked to expand distribution through pharmacies, community organizations, and harm-reduction programs across the state.
NYSHIP and the Empire Plan typically include pharmacy benefits that cover naloxone when prescribed, though the specific copay, formulary tier, and authorization rules vary by plan. Our team can help NYSHIP members verify their naloxone coverage when you call. Even without a prescription, naloxone can often be purchased at a pharmacy at low or no cost through state programs.
New York State and government employees are not immune to the opioid crisis. Use disorders can develop after legitimate prescriptions for pain, surgery, or chronic conditions, and they affect people in every profession and walk of life. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing, and that effective treatment — especially medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone — reduces overdose deaths and supports lasting recovery.
Having naloxone at home is a practical step any family can take regardless of whether anyone is currently using opioids — including prescription opioids stored for post-surgical pain management. The Good Samaritan Law means that calling for help during an overdose is protected. And NYSHIP benefits typically cover the medically necessary treatment that follows overdose survival, from detox to medication-assisted treatment to counseling.
Surviving an overdose is an opportunity to connect with care. SAMHSA emphasizes that treatment is most effective when it begins promptly and continues over time. After emergency stabilization, most people benefit from medically supervised detox, followed by ongoing opioid addiction treatment including medication-assisted treatment and counseling. NYSHIP and the Empire Plan typically cover these levels of care when medically necessary, and our team can verify your specific benefits.
For free, confidential, 24/7 support and treatment referrals, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. If you or someone you love is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. To ask about NYSHIP or Empire Plan coverage for opioid treatment, call us at 213-321-6518.
We confirm your exact NYSHIP / Empire Plan coverage and report back, usually within a few hours. HIPAA & 42 CFR Part 2 protected.
Call 213-321-6518