Washington SB5916 mandates nonopioid drug coverage parity for pain management in health plans.

Washington SB5916 requires health plans to provide equal coverage for nonopioid drugs used in pain management, prohibiting practices that disadvantage these drugs compared to opioids. Starting January 1, 2027, health plans cannot designate nonopioid drugs as nonpreferred if any opioid is designated as preferred, nor can they impose more restrictive prescription drug utilization management practices on nonopioid drugs. The Department of Health must also publish an educational pamphlet on nonopioid alternatives for pain treatment by January 1, 2027.

Washington SB5916 mandates nonopioid drug coverage parity for pain management in health plans.

Washington SB5916 requires health plans to provide equal coverage for nonopioid drugs used in pain management, prohibiting practices that disadvantage these drugs compared to opioids. Starting January 1, 2027, health plans cannot designate nonopioid drugs as nonpreferred if any opioid is designated as preferred, nor can they impose more restrictive prescription drug utilization management practices on nonopioid drugs. The Department of Health must also publish an educational pamphlet on nonopioid alternatives for pain treatment by January 1, 2027.