Bill > SF1946

This bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to provide comprehensive coverage for pain management alternatives to opioids. Specifically, health plans must cover at least two nonopioid prescription drugs approved by the FDA for pain treatment that are not controlled substances in Schedules I, II, or III, and three nonpharmacologic, nonoperative pain management techniques. The bill prohibits health plans from giving preferential coverage to opioids and from creating more restrictive prior authorization or step therapy requirements for nonopioid pain medications compared to opioid drugs. Additionally, health plan companies must annually distribute educational materials to healthcare providers and plan enrollees about these alternative pain management options, and make these materials publicly available on their websites. The provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, applying to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date. This legislation aims to provide patients with more diverse and potentially safer pain management options while reducing reliance on opioid medications.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1946&ssn=0&y=2025