Bill > SB0552

This bill requires health insurance providers in Michigan to cover non-opioid pain medication drugs that have been approved by the FDA, ensuring these alternative pain treatments receive equal and fair coverage compared to opioid medications. Specifically, the bill mandates that insurers who provide prescription drug coverage must include non-opioid pain medications on their preferred drug lists or formularies within 90 days of FDA approval and availability for retail sale. The legislation prevents insurers from disadvantaging these non-opioid pain drugs through more restrictive coverage policies, such as requiring more extensive prior authorizations or step therapy requirements compared to opioid pain medications. While insurers are prohibited from blocking or delaying coverage of these non-opioid pain drugs, they are still allowed to prefer certain drugs within the non-opioid category or among different opioid medications. The intent of the bill appears to be promoting alternative pain management options and reducing potential barriers to accessing non-opioid pain treatments, which could help address concerns about opioid dependency and overdose.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0552