LR 482

LR482  LR482
2026  2026
                                  ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
                                              SECOND SESSION
                      LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 482
Introduced by Bostar, 29.
PURPOSE:        The   purpose     of   this    resolution     is    to   propose   an     interim     study
relating      to    insurance     coverage      practices     and    policies      and    reimbursement
structures for access to nonopioid treatment options to address opioid use,
overdose outcomes, and access to care across Nebraska.
    The United States and the State of Nebraska continue to face a significant
public    health      challenge    related      to   opioid    addiction,      drug      overdoses,     and
substance use disorders. Opioid medications include both illegal substances,
such as heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, as well as prescription
medications used to treat pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention of the United States Public Health Services of the United States
Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska reported approximately one
hundred fifteen to one hundred thirty-three drug overdose deaths annually in
recent years, with opioids involved in a substantial share of those deaths and
synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, contributing to a growing proportion.
    Disparities in opioid use, overdose, and treatment access exist across
Nebraska      populations,      including       differences     based     on   race      and   ethnicity,
geography, age, and socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic factors include income
level, insurance coverage, housing stability, and employment and affect both
the risk of substance use disorders and access to prevention, treatment, and
recovery services. Certain demographic groups, including working-age adults,
males, and individuals between twenty-five to forty-four years of age, have
experienced higher rates of overdose mortality in Nebraska. Disparities also
exist    in   access    to    nonopioid       pain   management      therapies,       which    have    been
identified as safe and effective alternatives for many conditions, but may be
subject    to      coverage   limitations       or   provider      availability       constraints.      The
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LR482  LR482
2026  2026
opioid prescribing rate in Nebraska and reliance by Nebraska residents on pain
medications, estimated to be approximately forty-two prescriptions per one
hundred persons, reflect ongoing exposure to opioid medications in the state.
Expanding awareness of, and equitable access to, nonopioid treatment options
and substance use disorder services may reduce reliance on opioids and improve
patient outcomes. The State of Nebraska and the Legislature play a critical
role in ensuring equitable access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and pain
management services across all communities and setting policies to accomplish
such goals.
    The study shall include, but need not be limited to:
    (1)    A    review    of   insurance   coverage   practices,   medicaid   policies,   and
reimbursement structures to assess whether barriers exist for individuals in
Nebraska   to    access    nonopioid   pain    management   therapies   or    substance   use
disorder treatment services;
    (2) An examination of the disparities in opioid use, overdose outcomes,
and access to care across Nebraska;
    (3) An examination on how to expand access to nonopioid pain medications
and pain management, including nonopioid pain treatment awareness and patient
education through tools such as nonopioid directives, among others; and
    (4) Any statutory or administrative changes that may be needed to help
address opioid use, overdose outcomes, and access to care across Nebraska.
    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
    1. That the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee of the Legislature
shall be designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of
this resolution.
    2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report
of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council
or Legislature.
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