IA HSB151

FDA-approved nonopioid pain treatment drugs cannot be disadvantaged on the Medicaid preferred drug list relative to opioids or narcotics, including being designated as nonpreferred if any opioid is preferred or facing more restrictive prior authorization or step therapy requirements

Nonopioid drugs receive these protections immediately upon FDA approval for pain treatment, regardless of whether they have been reviewed by the medical assistance pharmaceutical and therapeutics committee

Health carriers must develop and implement pain management access plans that cover at least two FDA-approved non-controlled substance prescription pain medications and at least three nonpharmacologic treatment modalities

Health carriers cannot impose more restrictive utilization controls on clinically appropriate nonopioid pain drugs than the least restrictive controls applied to opioids or narcotics

Health carriers must file pain management access plans with the insurance division for approval, annually distribute educational materials about the plans to network providers and covered persons, and publish the plans on their websites