CT HB05484

Requires individual and group health insurance policies to provide access to pain management specialists and coverage for medically necessary pain treatment, including medications and procedures effective January 1, 2014.

Prohibits health insurance policies from requiring insureds to try alternative brand name drugs or over-the-counter drugs before using a brand name prescription drug prescribed by a physician for pain treatment.

Allows policies to require use of therapeutically equivalent generic drugs prior to brand name drugs, unless the brand name drug has FDA-approved abuse-deterrent labeling and the generic equivalent does not.

Defines "pain management specialist" as a physician credentialed by the American Academy of Pain Management or a board-certified anesthesiologist, physiatrist, neurologist, oncologist, or radiation oncologist with additional pain management training.

Applies to health insurance coverage of specific types including medical/surgical, hospital, major medical, dental, vision, long-term care, and supplemental health insurance policies.