Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioid prescription drugs.
Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
Summary
The bill bars health‑insurance carriers, the State Health Benefits Commission, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission, and Medicaid from denying coverage of a non‑opioid prescription for acute pain in favor of an opioid, or forcing patients to try an opioid first. It also prohibits insurers from placing non‑opioid drugs on more restrictive tiers, prior‑authorization rules, or cost‑sharing levels than the least restrictive opioid options. The goal is to ensure equal access to non‑opioid pain treatments.
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