Relating to the requirement of insurance coverage for a nonopioid drug for a person diagnosed with a substance use disorder

HB 3070 requires insurance providers (including Medicaid, HMOs, and pharmacy benefit managers) to cover nonopioid pain medications on equal terms as opioid drugs for treating acute nonoperative, acute perioperative, subacute, or chronic pain. It prohibits insurers from imposing stricter coverage rules (like higher copays or more prior authorizations) for nonopioid drugs compared to opioids. The bill also directs West Virginia's Bureau of Public Health to create public educational materials about nonopioid pain treatment options, aligned with CDC guidelines. Healthcare providers must consider nonopioid alternatives as a first-line treatment when clinically appropriate, per CDC guidelines.