Pass legislation to expand access to nonopioid pain treatments among older adults

The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health emergency, and rates of prescription opioid use, misuse, and opioid use disorder continue to increase in older adults (age ≥ 65 years). One of the major challenges to reducing prescription opioid use/misuse among older adults is that alternative pain management approaches are often not accessible. In 2022, the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. Beginning in 2025, the NOPAIN Act will expand access to nonopioid pain treatments by establishing separate reimbursement for nonopioid pain medication for outpatient surgical procedures covered by Medicare Part B. To build on the success of the NOPAIN Act, the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act proposes to (i) establish patient cost-sharing no greater than generic tier for patients receiving nonopioid pain relief under Medicare Part D plans, and (ii) prohibit the utilization of step therapy and prior authorization for nonopioid pain management drugs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Passage of the Alternatives to PAIN Act will bring us closer to making nonopioid pain treatments accessible to all older adults.