This bill mandates that insurance providers in the state cover a comprehensive range of pain management therapies as alternatives to opioid treatments. It requires insurers to include coverage for behavioral health interventions, manual treatments, movement therapies, acupuncture, and massage therapy, alongside existing pharmacologic and interventionalist treatments. Each policy must provide at least 12 visits for each category of pain management services and ensure coordination among licensed providers. Insurers are also required to submit a comprehensive pain services management plan for approval by the insurance commissioner and provide educational materials to policyholders regarding pain management options. The bill introduces new sections to RSA 415, specifically sections 415:6-bb and 415:18-hh, which outline these requirements.

Additionally, the bill prohibits insurers from imposing more restrictive utilization controls on non-opioid therapies compared to those applied to opioid drugs, aiming to ensure equitable access to pain management services. It amends existing statutes to include provisions related to health service corporations and health maintenance organizations, ensuring the new requirements apply to these entities. The bill is expected to increase claims costs and premiums due to the expansion of covered services, with a fiscal impact that is indeterminable. It also mandates an external actuarial review of the costs and benefits associated with the new coverage mandates, emphasizing the need to understand the financial implications on insurance premiums. If enacted, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, but the pre-set rates for that plan year will not account for the newly mandated services, potentially leading to financial strain on insurance companies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 420-A:2, 420-B:20