MO HB1680

Health benefit plans are prohibited from denying coverage of nonopioid medications prescribed for acute pain treatment in favor of opioid alternatives

Insurers cannot require enrollees to try an opioid prescription drug first before covering a nonopioid medication (step therapy prohibition)

Cost-sharing for nonopioid pain medications must be equal to or less than cost-sharing required for opioid prescriptions

"Acute pain" is defined as pain expected to last 30 days or fewer, resulting from disease, trauma, or other causes

Requirements apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued, continued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027