Bill > HB326

This bill, known as the State Health Benefit Plan Nonopioid Coverage Parity Act, mandates that the state health benefit plan, which is the health insurance plan for state employees, must provide coverage for qualifying nonopioid pain management drugs that is at least as good as its coverage for opioid pain management drugs. Qualifying nonopioid pain management drugs are defined as FDA-approved medications for acute pain that do not act on opioid receptors, are not controlled substances, and are selected by the Department of Community Health for inclusion in its formulary. The bill ensures that these nonopioid drugs will have the same deductibles, copayments, and other coverage limitations as opioid pain relievers, and importantly, the plan cannot require individuals to try opioid pain relievers first (step therapy) or impose prior authorization for nonopioid drugs unless the same requirement applies to opioid drugs, aiming to reduce state costs associated with the opioid epidemic by promoting alternative pain management options.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70040