HB 1112 would prohibit utilization review entities from requiring prior authorization for medication used to treat opioid use disorder. The bill defines “medication for opioid use disorder” as FDA-approved medication prescribed for the approved purpose of treating opioid use disorder, and it applies to entities that manage prior authorization for employer-sponsored coverage, health plans, preferred provider organizations, and other health benefit administrators.
The bill adds new sections to Indiana Code chapter 27-1-37.5 governing insurance utilization review and prior authorization. It is set to take effect July 1, 2025, and the new provisions expire July 1, 2027, making the policy temporary unless extended by future legislation. The committee amendment also clarified the definition language and removed an extra phrase from the prior authorization prohibition, but the core policy remained unchanged.
Impact
HB 1112 would change Indiana insurance law by limiting prior authorization practices for medications used in opioid use disorder treatment. It directly affects utilization review entities, insurers, health plans, PBMs or other administrators performing prior authorization, and covered individuals seeking medication-assisted treatment. By removing a utilization-management barrier, the bill is intended to make access to FDA-approved opioid use disorder medications faster and less administratively burdensome.
Sentiment
The available legislative history shows strong support for the bill. The House Insurance Committee reported it out with a unanimous 11-0 vote after amendment, indicating broad agreement on the policy direction. No opposing votes or recorded committee discussion are provided in the materials, and the bill’s caption and structure suggest it was treated as a targeted health access measure rather than a controversial overhaul.
Contention
The main policy issue is the balance between access to treatment and insurer utilization controls. Supporters appear to favor eliminating prior authorization as a barrier to timely opioid use disorder care, while the affected parties are utilization review entities, insurers, and other health benefit administrators that would lose a cost-management tool for these medications. The temporary sunset in 2027 may reflect a compromise or a desire to revisit the policy after evaluating its effects.