Evidence status: ENACTED 2026; ACT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 12, 2026, WITH COVERAGE IMPLEMENTATION BEGINNING IN 2027/2028. Colorado enacted SB 26-006 to create parity protections for FDA-approved non-opioid pain-management drugs.

Utilization-review parity

For covered plans, utilization-review requirements for a clinically appropriate non-opioid pain-management drug may be no more restrictive than the least restrictive utilization-review requirements applied to opioid drugs for pain.

Cost-sharing parity

Cost-sharing, copayments, and deductibles for covered non-opioid pain-management drugs may not exceed the corresponding cost-sharing for opioid pain-management drugs under the act.

Coverage timing

The act took effect August 12, 2026. Individual and small-group health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 are subject to the specified coverage requirements, while large-employer plans begin on or after January 1, 2028. The state employee plan is excluded, and the act contains a defrayal-related limitation for certain coverage.

Relationship to Contract for Care

SB 26-006 expands access to non-opioid medication alternatives but does not repeal the workers’ compensation opioid-contract provision. It is relevant because it changes the broader pain-treatment environment in which opioid agreements operate.

Primary source

• Colorado General Assembly — SB 26-006

Reviewed: October 5, 2026.