SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would increase access to non-opioid prescription medication to address the often-fatal addictiveness of prescription opioids.

“Prescription opioid medications are highly addictive, leading to countless deaths during the opioid epidemic, which our communities are still facing today,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “By expanding access to non-opioid alternatives, individuals will still be able to receive the care they need while reducing their risk of developing a serious addiction.”

Senate Bill 1238 would require health insurance providers to develop a plan for providing adequate coverage and access to non-opioid, non-narcotic and non-medication pain management services, which serve as an alternative to opioid and narcotic prescription drugs.

Additionally, the measure would allow the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and publish an educational pamphlet regarding the use of non-opioid alternatives for pain management.

“Providing access to safer alternatives for pain management will save lives by reducing dependency and misuse of opioids,” said Villa. “This would help meet the needs of thousands of individuals across our state who depend on prescription pain medications without putting them at risk of developing a substance use disorder.”

Senate Bill 1238 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday.