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Bill

A 1815

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for non-opioid treatments utilized for pain management

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 1 co-sponsor

Requires health insurers to cover non-opioid pain treatments, expanding access and parity with other options, and aiming to reduce opioid use.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
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Bill Summary · A 1815

Summary of Assembly Bill A 1815

Title

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for non-opioid treatments utilized for pain management

Overview

A 1815 is a bill introduced in the 2025 session that would mandate health insurers to provide coverage for non-opioid pain management treatments. The measure is intended to expand access to non-pharmacological options for individuals with pain and to potentially reduce reliance on opioid-based therapies.

Purpose and Intent

  • Expand access to non-opioid pain management options for patients.
  • Create coverage parity between non-opioid therapies and other covered pain management approaches.
  • Address public health concerns related to opioid use by promoting alternative treatment modalities.

Key Provisions (based on bill title and available information)

  • Health insurers would be required to provide coverage for non-opioid treatments used for pain management.
  • The specific scope (which treatments are covered, any limitations, cost-sharing, prior authorization requirements, caps, or exclusions) is not detailed in the provided information. The exact provisions would be defined in the bill’s text.
  • The bill’s implementation details (effective date, transition period, compliance standards) are not specified in the summary provided.

Note: The above reflects the stated purpose; the final text would outline precise requirements, exemptions, and administrative processes.

Affected Parties

  • Health insurers and their plans or products subject to state regulation.
  • Patients and enrollees seeking non-opioid pain management options.
  • Health care providers who offer non-opioid therapies (e.g., physical therapy, acupuncture, behavioral health approaches, and other non-pharmacologic treatments) and may seek coverage for these services.
  • Administrative and regulatory bodies overseeing insurance compliance.

Legislative Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the Insurance committee
  • Legislative Actions: On January 14, 2025, the bill was referred to Insurance (listed twice in the provided actions, likely mirroring initial committee referral and an accompanying filing record).
  • Related Legislation: A 4945 (prior-session) is noted as related, indicating prior attempts to address similar coverage issues.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access: Potentially clearer coverage for non-opioid therapies, improving patient access and treatment options.
  • Economic: Possible effects on premiums or plan design for insurers, depending on how broadly coverage is defined and any associated cost-sharing changes.
  • Public Health: Could contribute to reducing opioid exposure by promoting alternative pain management strategies.
  • Implementation: Success depends on the bill’s specific definitions, implementation timeline, and any exemptions or pilot provisions.

Next Steps

If enacted, monitor for committee hearings, amendments, and final floor votes. Review the full text to understand exact coverage requirements, treatment definitions, exceptions, and enforcement mechanisms.

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

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