SB 6: Parity for Non-Opioid Pain Management Drugs

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act requires a health insurance carrier that provides prescription drug benefits to require that:The utilization review requirements, including prior authorization and step therapy, for a non-opioid drug prescribed and approved by the federal food and drug administration (FDA) for the treatment or management of chronic or acute pain (non-opioid pain management drug) are no more restrictive than the least restrictive utilization review requirements for opioid drugs prescribed for the treatment or management of chronic or acute pain; andThe cost-sharing, copayment, or deductible for a non-opioid pain management drug is not greater than the cost-sharing, copayment, or deductible for an opioid drug prescribed for the treatment or management of chronic or acute pain.     The act requires each individual and small group health benefit plan issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, and each large employer health benefit plan issued or renewed on and after January 1, 2028, to ensure there is at least one non-opioid pain management drug available as a clinically appropriate alternative for an opioid pain management drug. If the division of insurance determines that coverage for a non-opioid pain management drug offered by individual and small group health benefit plans requires state defrayal of the cost of coverage, the requirement to make a non-opioid pain management drug available is inoperative.     The state employee health benefit plan is excluded from the requirements of the act.     The act appropriates $15,415 to the department of regulatory agencies for use by the division of insurance to implement the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 11 · Republican 6

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 3, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 22, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
3. May 22, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. May 22, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 8, 2026Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. May 6, 2026House Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
7. May 5, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
8. May 5, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - No Amendments
9. May 5, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Lost with Amendments - Committee
10. May 1, 2026House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
11. April 22, 2026House Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Appropriations
12. April 20, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 18 actions. Full history