Miller-Meeks Leads 44 Lawmakers in Urging CMS to Expand Access to Non-Opioid Pain Treatments for Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) led a bicameral group of 44 lawmakers in a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, urging the agency to take action to expand access to non-opioid pain treatment options for Medicare beneficiaries.

In the letter, the lawmakers call on CMS to use its existing authority to ensure Medicare Part D plans prioritize timely and meaningful access to newly approved, evidence-based non-opioid medications—helping reduce reliance on opioids and improve outcomes for seniors.

“As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact opioid overuse can have on patients and their families,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Seniors deserve access to safe, effective pain management options. This letter is about making sure Medicare policies keep pace with medical innovation and give patients access to the full range of treatments available to them.”

Key Priorities Outlined in the Letter

The lawmakers urged CMS to take several commonsense steps to improve access to non-opioid therapies, including:

• Ensuring favorable formulary placement for clinically appropriate non-opioid medications
• Reducing unnecessary utilization management practices that delay or restrict access
• Aligning plan designs with goals of improving outcomes and promoting value-based care

Background

Despite the approval of new non-opioid therapies, many seniors still face barriers to accessing these treatments due to restrictive coverage policies, delayed formulary decisions, and burdensome utilization requirements.

At the same time, opioid use continues to pose serious risks for older Americans, including increased rates of falls, fractures, cognitive impairment, dependence, and hospitalization. These outcomes not only harm patients but also drive up healthcare costs across the Medicare system.

Expanding access to non-opioid alternatives can help improve recovery, reduce complications, and enhance quality of life for seniors, while also lowering long-term costs for taxpayers.

The letter emphasizes that improving access to these treatments is a critical step in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis, protecting patients, and strengthening the integrity of the Medicare program.

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