Alternatives to PAIN Act

Hozzl · 2025-03-12T11:23:20Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1227 Alternatives to PAIN Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/12/2025, 11:23 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1227

Bill 119 HR 1227, also known as the "Non-Opioid Choices Act," aims to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to non-opioid pain management drugs. The bill proposes amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that these non-opioid drugs are covered under Part D of the Medicare program.

The bill recognizes the importance of providing alternative pain management options to opioids, which can be highly addictive and have serious side effects. By expanding coverage for non-opioid drugs, Medicare beneficiaries will have more choices when it comes to managing their pain.

This legislation is crucial in addressing the opioid epidemic in the United States and promoting safer and more effective pain management practices. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to consider non-opioid options first before prescribing opioids, helping to reduce the risk of addiction and overdose. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1227 seeks to improve access to non-opioid pain management drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, promoting safer and more effective pain management practices in the healthcare system.

Congressional Summary of HR 1227

Alternatives to Prevent Addiction In the Nation Act or the Alternatives to PAIN Act

This bill reduces cost-sharing and prohibits the imposition of certain utilization requirements under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for certain non-opioid pain management drugs.

Specifically, the bill requires such drugs to be covered without a deductible and to be placed on the lowest cost-sharing tier (if any). The bill also prohibits the imposition of prior authorization requirements (i.e., requiring prior approval from a plan) or step therapy requirements (i.e., requiring the use of alternative drugs before a drug is covered under a plan) with respect to such drugs.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1227

Bill HR 1227 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 12, 2025. Bill HR 1227 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 12, 2025. Bill HR 1227's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of February 12, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1227

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1227

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1227

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate access to non-opioid pain management drugs under part D of the Medicare program.