The Importance of Non-Opioid Pain Management Alternatives Under Medicare

As a former state legislator, Chair of the House Public Health Committee, and member of the House Select Committee on Health Care Reform, I witnessed firsthand the impact of opioid addiction on Texas communities. The opioid crisis has reached every corner of our state, and its effects have been particularly harmful to those suffering from chronic pain or recovering from surgery. During my time in the Texas Legislature, I worked alongside my colleagues to address this issue head-on. One of the key pieces of legislation that we passed to help mitigate the opioid crisis was House Bill 4888 in the 88th legislative session, which created a framework for expanding access to non-opioid pain management alternatives. This law was a step in the right direction, but there is still much more work to be done—particularly in ensuring that Medicare recipients, many of whom are seniors with complex health conditions, have access to these safer alternatives.

 Opioid medications, while effective for short-term pain management, come with serious risks—especially for individuals who are elderly or suffer from underlying cardiovascular conditions. These risks are often compounded for patients who are already managing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. The side effects of opioid use, including addiction, depression, and respiratory suppression, are particularly concerning for the most vulnerable among us.

 As a state representative, I worked to push for policies that gave Texans more options when it came to pain management. With HB 4888, we sought to reduce the reliance on opioids and provide patients with safer alternatives. This bill was a testament to the idea that pain management can—and should—be managed in ways that do not come with the burden of addiction or long-term health consequences. I am proud of the progress Texas made with HB 4888, but the reality is that much more needs to be done on a national level, especially to protect our seniors.

 

Medicare, the government program that provides health coverage to millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities, is a crucial part of the conversation. Today, millions of Medicare beneficiaries continue to receive opioid prescriptions for pain management, despite the growing awareness of the risks these medications pose. In addition to managing chronic pain, many Medicare recipients are coping with conditions like arthritis, joint replacement recovery, and cancer treatment. These patients deserve access to non-opioid pain management options that can safely and effectively address their needs without exposing them to the dangers of opioids.

 

This is where the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (PAIN) Act comes in, also known as S.475 in Congress. I want to take a moment to commend our United States Senator John Cornyn for his leadership in co-authoring S.475. The Alternatives to PAIN Act would significantly expand the availability of non-opioid treatments under Medicare, ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to a wider range of pain management options. This bill would prioritize the use of physical therapy, acupuncture, and other evidence-based therapies, and it would improve Medicare's reimbursement policies to reflect the growing recognition of non-opioid pain management.

 

The Alternatives to PAIN Act is an essential step toward reducing the overreliance on opioids and addressing the devastating effects they have on individuals’ lives. Senator Cornyn's support for this bill is a testament to his commitment to protecting public health and improving the well-being of Texans and Americans across the country. I strongly encourage other members of Congress to join him in supporting this critical legislation.

 

As a former legislator, I’ve seen how important it is for policymakers to act quickly and decisively when it comes to health care. The opioid crisis is not a problem that can be solved by one person or one piece of legislation alone. But with continued advocacy for non-opioid alternatives—both in Texas and on the national stage—we can make real progress. The Alternatives to PAIN Act is a critical next step toward ensuring that Medicare recipients have access to the care they deserve, without the added risks of opioid use.

 

The opioid crisis has already taken far too many lives. By making non-opioid pain management more accessible through Medicare, we can provide seniors and vulnerable populations with the tools they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, free from the fear of addiction. Let’s continue the fight for better, safer healthcare options for all.

 

Former Texas State Representative Four Price is a fourth-generation Texan from Amarillo and served in the Texas House from 2011-2025.