Congress Proposes Expanded Medicare Access to Non-Opioid Pain Medications

February 6 – February 12, 2025

Lawmakers in both the Senate and House have introduced legislation to mandate that Medicare Part D plans cover non-opioid pain treatments with minimal cost-sharing and no prior authorization by 2026. These bills aim to reduce reliance on opioids by making alternative options more affordable.

Policies

Congress Targets Lower Medicare Part D Costs and Fewer Barriers for Certain Non-Opioid Pain Drugs

H.R. 1227

Congress targets lower Medicare drug costs and fewer plan barriers for certain non-opioid pain medicines

S. 475

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