Colorado § 10-16-148 - Medication-assisted treatment - limitations on carriers - rules.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 10-16-148 — Medication-assisted treatment - limitations on carriers - rules., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10-16-148. Medication-assisted treatment - limitations on carriers - rules.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, beginning January 1, 2020, a carrier that provides prescription drug benefits for the treatment of substance use disorders shall, for prescription medications that are on the carrier's formulary:
(a) Not impose prior authorization requirements on any prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of substance use disorders;
(b) Not impose any step therapy requirements as a prerequisite for coverage for a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of substance use disorders;
(c) Place at least one covered prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of substance use disorders on the lowest tier of the drug formulary developed and maintained by the carrier; and
(d) Not exclude coverage for any prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of substance use disorders and any associated counseling or wraparound services solely on the grounds that the medications and services were court ordered.
(1.5) The commissioner, in consultation with the department of public health and environment, may promulgate rules or seek a revision to the prescription drug benefits required under the essential health benefits package concerning prescription medications that must be included on a carrier's formulary for medication-assisted treatment of substance use disorders.
(2) Repealed.
Source: L. 2019: Entire section added, (HB 19-1269), ch. 195, p. 2131, § 10, effective May 16. L. 2020: (1.5) added, (SB 20-007), ch. 286, p. 1391, § 8, effective July 13. L. 2022: (2) repealed, (HB 22-1264), ch. 126, p. 888, § 5, effective August 10.
Cross references: For the short title ("Behavioral Health Care Coverage Modernization Act") in HB 19-1269, see section 1 of chapter 195, Session Laws of Colorado 2019.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 10-16-148
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 10-16-148 cover?
Section 10-16-148 ("Medication-assisted treatment - limitations on carriers - rules.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 10-16-148?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 10-16-148" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 10-16-148 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.