Bill > SB974

This bill aims to ensure that nonopioid drugs used for pain treatment receive equal coverage and access compared to opioid drugs in Maryland's healthcare systems. Specifically, starting July 1, 2026, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and various health insurers (including nonprofit health service plans, health maintenance organizations, and managed care organizations) will be required to provide coverage for nonopioid pain medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the same level of accessibility as opioid pain medications. This means these entities cannot impose more restrictive prior authorization requirements, step therapy protocols, or fail-first protocols for nonopioid pain drugs compared to those applied to opioid pain medications. Additionally, by December 1, 2026, these healthcare entities must submit a plan to the Maryland Insurance Administration detailing their approach to providing comprehensive pain management services, including nonopioid drugs and non-pharmacological pain management alternatives. The bill reflects a growing effort to provide patients with more flexible and potentially safer pain treatment options while reducing potential barriers to accessing alternative pain management strategies.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0974?ys=2025RS