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SB 552

Insurance: health insurers; coverage for a nonopioid analgesic drug for pain treatment; require. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406ll.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill requires health insurers to cover nonopioid pain relief drugs as alternative to opioids, aiming to expand treatment access and reduce opioid dependency.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH POLICY
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Bill Summary · SB 552

Legislative bill overview

SB 552 would require Michigan health insurers to cover nonopioid analgesic drugs for pain treatment. The bill amends the Michigan Insurance Code by adding a new section (3406ll) that mandates this coverage requirement, though specific details about which drugs, coverage limits, or cost-sharing arrangements are not provided in the bill description.

Why is this important

This addresses the opioid crisis by incentivizing or requiring insurers to cover alternative pain management medications, potentially reducing opioid prescriptions and addiction rates. Insurance coverage requirements directly impact patient access to these alternatives and can influence prescribing patterns across the healthcare system.

Potential points of contention

  • Specificity concerns: The bill description doesn't clarify which nonopioid analgesics are covered, dosage limits, or whether coverage is mandatory across all pain conditions, leaving implementation ambiguous
  • Cost implications: Mandating coverage of specific drugs increases insurer costs, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums or reduced benefits elsewhere
  • Medical autonomy: Prescriptive insurance mandates may conflict with physician-patient decision-making about appropriate pain management, particularly for complex cases requiring individualized treatment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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