AHCCCS; prescription drug coverage

HB 2725 prevents AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) from requiring patients to switch from non-opioid pain medications to opioids when a doctor prescribes a non-opioid for chronic or acute pain. It also prohibits stricter coverage rules - like more difficult prior authorization or step therapy - for non-opioid pain drugs compared to opioid alternatives. The bill directly affects AHCCCS members prescribed pain medication and their healthcare providers. Key provisions mandate equal treatment in coverage policies for clinically appropriate non-opioid and opioid pain drugs. This bill is pending in the Arizona legislature after its first reading in January 2026.