GA HB326

Georgia's state health benefit plan must cover qualifying nonopioid pain management drugs with the same deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and coverage limitations as opioid pain management drugs

Qualifying nonopioid drugs must have FDA-approved labeling for postoperative or acute pain, not act on opioid receptors, not be Schedule I or II controlled substances, and be included in the Department of Community Health's formulary

The plan cannot require step therapy that forces patients to try opioids before receiving prescribed nonopioid alternatives, and cannot impose prior authorization for nonopioid drugs unless similar authorization is required for opioids

The plan may provide coverage for nonopioid drugs that exceeds the coverage provided for opioid drugs

Effective date: January 1, 2027