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Bill

HB 2668

Mandating health insurers to provide coverage for pain management services.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alexis Simmons

Kansas HB 2668 mandates health insurers cover pain management services, potentially expanding patient access to non-opioid treatments but risking increased insurance premiums.

Died in Committee
#insurance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2668

Legislative bill overview

HB 2668 would require health insurers operating in Kansas to include coverage for pain management services in their insurance plans. The bill appears designed to ensure patients have access to a range of pain treatment options beyond just pharmaceutical interventions. This mandate would apply to health insurance policies sold within the state.

Why is this important

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can significantly impact quality of life and work productivity. Access to pain management services—which may include physical therapy, interventional procedures, behavioral health support, and other non-opioid treatments—can reduce reliance on opioid medications, potentially addressing concerns about addiction and overdose. However, mandating coverage directly affects insurance premiums and market dynamics.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Mandated coverage expansions typically increase insurance premiums for all policyholders, even those who may never use pain management services
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's scope depends on how "pain management services" is defined—broader definitions could include expensive treatments like spinal cord stimulation or frequent physical therapy visits
  • Insurance market impact: Insurers may respond by raising premiums, narrowing provider networks, or potentially exiting the Kansas market if the mandate is deemed unprofitable
  • Coverage standards: Unclear whether the mandate specifies frequency limits, approval processes, or which pain management modalities must be covered versus optional

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

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