Bill > HB2296

This bill creates a new section in Missouri's insurance law that requires health benefit plans to provide fair coverage for nonopioid medications when treating acute pain. Specifically, the bill defines acute pain as pain that a healthcare professional expects to last 30 days or less, and prohibits health insurance plans from discriminating against nonopioid prescriptions. Insurance companies cannot deny coverage for a nonopioid medication, require patients to try an opioid medication first, or charge higher cost-sharing for nonopioid drugs compared to opioid drugs. The provisions will apply to health benefit plans delivered, issued, continued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. This legislation aims to provide patients and healthcare professionals more flexibility in pain management and potentially reduce the risk of opioid dependency by ensuring alternative medications are accessible and affordable.

Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2296&year=2026&code=R