Introduced January 9, 2026
SB56
Log in to followAN ACT relating to utilization controls for nonopioid analgesics in the Medicaid program.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 205 to prohibit the Department for Medicaid Services, any Medicaid managed care organization contracted by the department, and the Medicaid state pharmacy benefit manager from denying coverage for a nonopioid analgesic in favor of opioid analgesic or establishing more restrictive or more extensive utilization controls for nonopioid analgesics than the least restrictive or extensive utilization controls for any opioid or narcotic analgesic; require the Cabinet for Health and…
Plain-language summary
This bill would require Kentucky's Medicaid program to treat non-opioid pain medications at least as favorably as opioid pain medications when it comes to coverage and access rules. Medicaid and its partner organizations could not make it harder to get a non-opioid painkiller than to get an opioid one. Who it may affect: Kentuckians enrolled in Medicaid who are prescribed pain medication, as well as their healthcare providers.
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Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Gerald Neal
Senator · Senate District 33
Co-sponsors (4)
Greg Elkins
Senator · Senate District 28
Scott Madon
Senator · Senate District 29
Amanda Mays Bledsoe
Senator · Senate District 12
Reginald Thomas
Senator · Senate District 13
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