Kentucky · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 56: AN ACT relating to utilization controls for nonopioid analgesics in the Medicaid program.
Passed both chambers Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 56 is a bill introduced in the Kentucky Senate on January 9, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT relating to utilization controls for nonopioid analgesics in the Medicaid program. Primary sponsor: Gerald Neal (Democratic), Greg Elkins (Republican), Scott Madon (Republican), Amanda Bledsoe (Republican), Reggie Thomas (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 15, 2026): passed over and retained for concurrence in House Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 205 to prohibit the Department for Medicaid Services, any Medicaid managed care organization contracted by the department, and the Medicaid state pharmacy benefit manager from denying coverage for a nonopioid analgesic in favor of opioid analgesic or establishing more restrictive or more extensive utilization controls for nonopioid analgesics than the least restrictive or extensive utilization controls for any opioid or narcotic analgesic; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid to seek federal approval if it is determined that such approval is necessary; provide authorization from the General Assembly to make changes to the Medicaid program as required under KRS 205.5372(1).
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Neal | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 33 |
| Greg Elkins | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 28 |
| Scott Madon | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 29 |
| Amanda Bledsoe | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 12 |
| Reggie Thomas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- passed over and retained for concurrence in House Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
- posted for passage for concurrence in House Floor Amendments (1) and (2-title)
- to Rules (S)
- received in Senate
- 3rd reading, passed 82-9 with Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
- floor amendments (3) and (4-title) filed
- floor amendments (1) and (2-title) filed
- posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 25 2026
- 2nd reading, to Rules
- reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
- to Health Services (H)
- to Committee on Committees (H)
Showing 12 most recent of 22 actions. Full history