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Maryland law to expand access to abuse-deterrent painkillers

http://www.abc2news.com/news/in-focus/maryland-law-to-expand-access-to-abuse-deterrent-painkillers

Maryland is taking another step to fight the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse. Thanks to a new state law, insurers will now have to cover special formulations of painkillers that are resistant to being crushed or liquefied.

Maryland's new law aims to cut down on prescription drug abuse by requiring insurance companies to cover more expensive, abuse-deterrent painkillers at the same level as traditional versions of the pills. Cline testified in support of the bill and was in Annapolis to see Governor Larry Hogan sign it into law.

"Insurance companies will cover this, which that means, physicians will prescribe these medications and people will be able to use them, whereas if insurance companies weren't paying for the prescription, that probably would not happen," Cline said.

With this new law, Maryland follows Massachusetts, which passed a similar law last year. Several other states are considering their own versions.