SB 628
Relating to non-opioid medication
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to promote the use of non-opioid medications for pain management in West Virginia. It prohibits insurance companies, including the Public Employees Insurance Agency and the Bureau for Medical Services, from discouraging or disadvantaging non-opioid drugs compared to opioids. The bill requires non-opioid drugs to be placed in the lowest tier of a health insurance formulary and allows for utilization review. It also addresses opioid prescription practices by requiring specific information to be provided to patients regarding alternative treatments.
Key provisions
- Prohibits insurance companies from discouraging or disadvantaging non-opioid drugs.
- Requires non-opioid drugs to be placed in the lowest formulary tier.
- Permits utilization review for non-opioid medications.
- Defines ‘nonopioid’ drug as a pharmaceutical approved by the FDA for pain treatment without opioid ingredients.
- Establishes requirements for non-opioid drug prescriptions, including discussion of alternatives and patient education.
- Similar provisions are included in bills addressing human services, accident and sickness insurance, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, dental service corporations, and health service corporations.
- Addresses coverage of non-opioid medications by insurance carriers.
- Requires coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other pain management services.
Who is affected
- Healthcare providers
- Insurance companies (Public Employees Insurance Agency, Bureau for Medical Services, and other insurers)
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours