HB 21-1276 Summary

• Reduces cost-sharing for nonpharmacological pain treatments (physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture) to no more than primary care visit copays for a minimum of 6 visits each, effective January 1, 2023

• Removes coverage barriers for atypical opioids (buprenorphine, tramadol, tapentadol) by prohibiting prior authorization and step therapy requirements

• Establishes benzodiazepine prescription limits for patients without prior prescriptions while exempting treatments for seizures, epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal, spasticity, and neurological conditions; requires prescriber PDMP queries before prescribing

• Integrates prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) into electronic health records through RxCheck system to enable easier provider access and interstate data sharing

• Appropriates $611,115 from marijuana tax fund for 2021-22 fiscal year to support community behavioral health administration, prevention programs, and prescription monitoring program expansion