MO HB2642

Health benefit plans cannot deny coverage of nonopioid medications prescribed for acute or chronic pain in favor of opioid drugs

Insurers are prohibited from requiring enrollees to try an opioid prescription drug first before covering a nonopioid alternative (eliminating "fail first" or step therapy requirements for opioids)

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

Acute pain is defined as pain expected to last 30 days or fewer; chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks

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