Then we need to start the discussion as to whether we, as a society, need to pay for drugs.

Considering of course, that we, as a society, do not pay for everyone's prescription medicine.  Needles and testing kits for diabetics? Needed cancer drugs?  Heart meds?   

Right now if you are prescribed pain meds along the line of oxy, if you don't have  an employer plan that covers some of the costs, then you are out of pocket.

But if you require (through need or addiction) long term opioids - the government will supply and  pay for them?

Lots of nuances here.  Lots of things to get right.