NE LR482

Directs the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee to conduct an interim study on insurance coverage practices, Medicaid policies, and reimbursement structures that may create barriers to accessing nonopioid pain management therapies or substance use disorder treatment services

Requires examination of disparities in opioid use, overdose outcomes, and access to care across Nebraska populations based on race, ethnicity, geography, age, and socioeconomic status

Nebraska reports approximately 115-133 drug overdose deaths annually, with opioids involved in a substantial share and an opioid prescribing rate of approximately 42 prescriptions per 100 persons

Calls for exploration of ways to expand access to nonopioid pain medications and patient education tools such as nonopioid directives

Committee must report findings and recommendations, including any needed statutory or administrative changes, to the Legislative Council or Legislature