Nonopioid drugs for pain management; require health plans and Medicaid to cover and not make use of more restrictive than for opioid drugs.

HB 1389 requires Mississippi health plans and Medicaid to cover at least two FDA-approved nonopioid pain medications and three non-drug pain treatments (like physical therapy) as alternatives to opioids. It prohibits health plans from applying stricter approval steps (such as prior authorization) for nonopioid options than for opioids, ensuring equal access. The bill also mandates health plans to file coverage plans with the Department of Insurance and publicly share information about pain management options. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted.