SB427 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Bussman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Health benefit plans, coverage for abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic required, cost-sharing imposing or increasing requirements prohibited, Secs. 10A-20-6.16, 27-21A-23 am'd.

Summary

SB427 would require Alabama health benefit plans to cover abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics without forcing patients to first try non-abuse-deterrent versions and would bar disincentives for prescribers or dispensers.

What This Bill Does

It defines abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic drug products and who counts as a covered individual. It prevents health insurers or government programs from requiring a first use of a non-abuse-deterrent opioid before covering an abuse-deterrent one. It bars insurers from creating penalties or disincentives for prescribers or dispensers of abuse-deterrent opioids and allows utilization review, including prior authorization, with the same requirements applied to all opioid products. It updates Alabama insurance laws to implement these rules and provides for an effective date of January 1, 2016.

Who It Affects

• Covered individuals under individual or group health benefit plans and government health programs in Alabama, who would receive coverage for abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics without a prior non-abuse-deterrent requirement.
• Health insurers and health benefit plan administrators (including entities like pharmacy benefit managers) that administer those plans and must comply with the new coverage rules.
• Prescribers and dispensers of opioid analgesics, who are protected from new penalties or disincentives when prescribing or dispensing abuse-deterrent opioid products.

Key Provisions

• Defines abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic drug product as FDA-approved opioids with labeling claiming meaningful reduction in abuse.
• Prohibits requiring a covered individual to first use a non-abuse-deterrent opioid before coverage for an abuse-deterrent opioid.
• Prohibits creating disincentives or penalties for prescribers or dispensers related to abuse-deterrent opioid drugs.
• Allows utilization review, including prior authorization, as long as same requirements apply to all opioid products.
• Amends Sections 10A-20-6.16 and 27-21A-23 to reflect these coverage rules and related provisions.
• Effective date: January 1, 2016.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Insurance