Bill > HB1680

This bill requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for non-opioid pain medications under certain conditions, specifically for treating acute pain (defined as pain expected to last 30 days or less). The bill prohibits health benefit plans from denying coverage of a non-opioid prescription drug, requiring patients to try an opioid drug first, or charging higher cost-sharing for non-opioid drugs compared to opioid drugs when a licensed healthcare professional prescribes the medication. The legislation defines key terms like "acute pain," "enrollee," "health benefit plan," and "health care professional" by referencing existing state statutes. The provisions will apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued, continued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, which suggests the bill aims to provide patients with more alternatives to potentially addictive opioid medications and reduce barriers to accessing non-opioid pain treatment options.

Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1680&year=2026&code=R