Summary of Original Version

Create a new section of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to establish that any health benefit plan that provides coverage for hospital, medical, or surgical expenses shall include coverage for chronic pain treatments provided by a licensed professional; amend KRS 205.522 to require Medicaid and Medicaid managed care organizations to include coverage for chronic pain treatments provided by a licensed professional; amend KRS 218A.172 to require that a health care practitioner discuss and refer or prescribe alternative chronic pain treatments before initially prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance; provide that certain provisions apply to health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to seek federal approval if it is determined that such approval is necessary, and comply with KRS 205.525; EFFECTIVE, in part, January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 205.522, 218A.172