Provides outpatient insurance coverage for non-pharmacological treatments and non-opioid drugs for chronic pain

• Democratic2

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Gustavo Rivera says this is needed

Chronic pain affects millions of individuals across the United States, spanning a spectrum of conditions such as arthritis, migraines, cancer, neuropathic pain, and more. Unfortunately, conventional approaches to managing chronic pain often rely heavily on opioid medications, despite their well-documented risks of addiction, overdose, and other adverse effects. This reliance on opioids not only poses significant health risks to patients but also contributes to the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has ravaged communities nationwide. Fortunately, there exists a diverse array of non-opioid treatments for chronic pain, which have demonstrated efficacy in managing certain types of chronic pain according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. The Food and Drug Administration approved a new non-opioid drug for moderate to acute pain in 2025. Additionally, non-pharmacological interventions such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, physical therapy, and cognitive-beha- vioral therapy offer alternative approaches to pain management that can be both effective and safer than opioids. However, access to these non-opioid treatments has been limited for many individuals, often due to barriers such as lack of insurance coverage and financial constraints. The proposed bill seeks to address this disparity by mandating insurance coverage for non-opioid treatments for chronic pain, encompassing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. By ensuring that these treatments are readily accessible and on par with conventional medical benefits, the bill aims to remove financial barriers and treatment limitations that may prevent individ- uals from seeking alternative pain management options. In doing so, the bill not only empowers patients to explore safer and more effective alternatives to opioids but also promotes a holistic approach to pain management that considers the individual needs and preferences of each patient. Moreover, by expanding access to non-opioid treatments, including medication, the bill has the potential to mitigate the risks associated with opioid use and contribute to border efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. This bill represents a significant step towards addressing a critical public health issue and advancing the well-being of individuals with chronic pain across the nation. By giving patients alternatives for treatment and management for chronic pain, and promoting evidence-based, patient-centered care the bill underscores a commitment to fostering safer, more sustainable approaches to pain management in the State of New York and reduces our reliance on opioids.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.