NE LB252

Prohibits Nebraska Medicaid from designating non-opioid pain medications as "nonpreferred" if opioids are designated as "preferred," and bars more restrictive prior authorization or step therapy requirements for non-opioid drugs than those applied to opioids

Requires commercial insurance policies and self-funded employee benefit plans to provide equal or better coverage and cost-sharing for FDA-approved non-opioid pain drugs compared to opioid alternatives

Mandates that prescribing health care providers receive an exception to coverage restrictions on non-opioid drugs if the provider confirms the non-opioid is appropriate treatment for the patient

Applies immediately to any non-opioid drug upon FDA approval for pain treatment, regardless of whether the drug has been formally reviewed for formulary inclusion

Amends section 68-901 of the Medical Assistance Act; introduced by Senator Bostar (District 29) on January 14, 2025