North Charlotte Today

Senators Thom Tillis and Mark Kelly have introduced the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at providing greater access to non-opioid treatments for pain management for seniors.

Senator Tillis emphasized the importance of the legislation by stating, “This bipartisan, pragmatic legislation will help prevent opioid addiction before it starts by leveling the playing field for non-opioid alternatives, ensuring seniors have uninterrupted access to non-opioid, non-addictive alternatives.”

Senator Kelly also highlighted the significance of the bill, saying, “Too often, Medicare Part D makes it unaffordable for seniors to get non-opioid pain relievers and forces them to settle for a prescription with a higher risk of addiction and overdose. Our bill would remove these barriers so that seniors are able to choose the treatment that is best for them.”

Chris Fox, Executive Director of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, supported the Act, stating, “The Alternatives to PAIN Act will ensure that all Americans can readily access non-opioid pain options.”

The bipartisan legislation is backed by a multitude of organizations, including Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, American Psychological Association Services, and Partnership to End Addiction, among many others.

The United States is grappling with a public health crisis stemming from prescription drug addiction, with seniors being particularly vulnerable. In 2021 alone, 1.1 million seniors were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, and 50,000 seniors experienced an opioid overdose. The need to prevent unnecessary opioids from proliferating in medicine cabinets, homes, and communities is more pressing than ever.

The legislation aims to limit patient cost-sharing for non-opioid pain relief under Medicare Part D plans, prohibit step therapy and prior authorization for these drugs, and promote open dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals regarding pain management choices.

This bill builds upon the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NO PAIN) Act, which was signed into law in December 2022 and directed Medicare to provide separate reimbursement for non-opioid treatments used in pain management. Prior to this legislation, hospitals received the same payment regardless of whether opioids or non-opioids were prescribed, leading to a reliance on opioids.

The full text of the Alternatives to PAIN Act is available for review.