A bill 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.

Hozzl · 2025-02-07T11:56:23Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 475 A bill 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. currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/7/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 475

Bill 119 s 475, also known as the "Non-Opioid Choices Act," aims to make changes to title XVIII of the Social Security Act in order to guarantee that Medicare beneficiaries have access to non-opioid pain management medications through part D of the Medicare program. The bill is designed to address the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States by promoting the use of alternative pain management options that are not addictive.

Specifically, the bill would require Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to cover a range of non-opioid pain management drugs, including over-the-counter medications and prescription medications that are not classified as opioids. This would give Medicare beneficiaries more options for managing their pain without relying on potentially addictive opioid medications.

The goal of the Non-Opioid Choices Act is to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to safe and effective pain management options that do not carry the same risks of addiction and overdose as opioids. By expanding coverage for non-opioid pain management drugs, the bill aims to reduce the reliance on opioids for pain management and help combat the opioid epidemic in the United States. Overall, Bill 119 s 475 seeks to improve access to non-opioid pain management options for Medicare beneficiaries in order to promote safer and more effective pain management practices.

Congressional Summary of S 475

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.

Current Status of Bill S 475

Bill S 475 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 6, 2025. Bill S 475 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 6, 2025. Bill S 475's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of February 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 475

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 475

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 475

A bill 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.