Bill > SB2025

This bill aims to create parity in the prescription of pain medication by ensuring that non-opioid drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pain management are not disadvantaged compared to opioid or narcotic drugs on the state's preferred drug list, meaning they won't be placed on a less favorable tier or face stricter approval processes like prior authorization or step therapy unless opioids face similar restrictions. Additionally, health insurance companies offering policies or benefit plans must develop and submit a plan to the Department of Insurance for approval, detailing how they will provide adequate coverage and access to a range of pain management alternatives to opioid drugs, including at least two non-opioid prescription medication options and three non-drug treatment methods, and they cannot impose more restrictive controls on clinically appropriate non-opioid drugs than on opioid drugs. These insurers will also be required to annually educate their network providers and members about their pain management access plans and make this information publicly available on their websites.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2025.xml