MO HB1966

Health benefit plans prohibited from denying coverage of nonopioid medications prescribed for acute pain (pain expected to last 30 days or fewer) in favor of opioid alternatives

Insurers cannot require enrollees to try an opioid prescription drug first before covering a nonopioid prescription drug (eliminates "fail first" or step therapy requirements for opioids)

Cost-sharing for nonopioid pain medications cannot be higher than cost-sharing for opioid medications

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

Adds new section 376.1280 to Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 376 (Insurance)