Prohibiting certain health insurers from requiring cost-sharing for nonopioid prescription drugs or providing less favorable coverage for such drug than that for opioid or narcotic prescription drugs for the treatment of pain.

HB 2364 requires health insurers (including Medicaid, CHIP, and state employee plans) to provide equal coverage for FDA-approved nonopioid pain medications as for opioid or narcotic drugs. Specifically, insurers cannot deny coverage for nonopioid drugs in favor of opioids, force patients to try opioids first, or impose higher out-of-pocket costs (like copays or stricter prior authorization) on nonopioid drugs compared to opioids. The bill ensures nonopioid pain medications are not disadvantaged in formulary tiers or coverage rules. It directly affects patients prescribed nonopioid pain treatments and insurers managing drug coverage. The law takes effect upon publication in the statute book.