Relief of Chronic Pain Act of 2025

Key Points

• Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Medicare Part D plans would have to waive the deductible for certain qualifying non-opioid chronic pain drugs.
• These qualifying drugs would have to be put on the plan’s lowest cost-sharing tier, meaning patients should pay less out of pocket.
• The bill bars Medicare drug plans from requiring people to try an opioid first before they can get these qualifying non-opioid drugs.
• The bill also bans prior authorization for these qualifying non-opioid drugs, which could reduce delays and paperwork for patients and doctors.
• It applies only to specific chronic pain conditions listed in the bill, like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and diabetic nerve pain lasting over 3 months.