This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) by prohibiting it from imposing more restrictive utilization controls on prescription non-opioid drugs than those applied to opioid or narcotic drugs. Specifically, the bill would insert language that mandates AHCCCS cannot establish more extensive prior authorization or step therapy requirements for non-opioid drugs approved for treating moderate to severe pain compared to the least restrictive controls for opioids.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that would repeal this requirement after August 31, 2028. The current law remains unchanged, but the new provisions would create a more equitable approach to prescription drug coverage under AHCCCS, ensuring that non-opioid treatments are not subjected to stricter controls than their opioid counterparts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-3602
House Engrossed Version: 13-3602