A new law led by State Senator Karina Villa increases access to alternative options for opioid prescription medication. “Unfortunately, many individuals who relied on pain medication developed a dependency and ultimately an addiction,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “People need to know there are alternatives available that provide effective treatment without the risk of developing a substance use disorder.” The law requires health insurance providers to develop a plan for providing adequate coverage and access to non-opioid, non-narcotic and non-medication pain management services, which serve as an alternative to opioid and narcotic prescription drugs. Additionally, the law allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and publish an educational pamphlet regarding the use of non-opioid alternatives for pain management. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 83 percent of the overdose deaths in 2022 involved an opioid, which resulted in 3,261 fatalities. “This law will equip our health care system with the ability to provide alternative options for pain management to our residents,” said Villa. “This will reduce dependency and the misuse of opioids. It will save lives.” Senate Bill 1238 was signed Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.