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Bill

HB 1013

Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Nonopioid Drugs for the Treatment of Pain

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Kerr

Requires Maryland Medicaid and health insurers to cover nonopioid pain medications to reduce opioid prescribing and addiction.

Hearing 2/28 at 12:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1013

Legislative bill overview

HB 1013 requires Maryland's Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) and health insurance plans to cover nonopioid drugs for pain treatment. The bill aims to expand access to alternative pain management medications as part of broader opioid reduction efforts in the state.

Why is this important

Opioid addiction remains a significant public health crisis in Maryland and nationwide. Expanding coverage for nonopioid pain treatments could reduce opioid prescriptions, decrease addiction rates, and provide patients with safer alternatives—though insurance coverage alone doesn't guarantee these outcomes without accompanying clinical guidance and provider education.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding drug coverage increases insurer and state Medicaid costs, which may be passed to taxpayers or premiums; fiscal impact analysis is critical
  • Drug selection and clinical efficacy: Determining which nonopioid drugs qualify and whether evidence supports their effectiveness for various pain conditions requires careful medical criteria
  • Implementation burden: Insurance plans and Medicaid may struggle with coverage determinations, prior authorization processes, and formulary updates across diverse pain conditions

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

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