MO HB2296

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 drug first before covering a prescribed nonopioid medication (eliminates "step therapy" requiring opioids)

Cost-sharing for nonopioid prescriptions cannot be set higher than cost-sharing 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