Rep. Huneycutt files bill in North Carolina House to expand opioid treatment coverage

A new bill filed by State Rep. Cody Huneycutt in the North Carolina House seeks to expand access to treatment for opioid overdoses and substance use disorders by updating health benefit coverage and insurer requirements, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 824 on April 8 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Expand Treatment Access/Opioid Use Disorder.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to expand access to treatment for opioid overdose and opioid use disorders by updating health benefit plan coverage for overdose and substance use disorder medications. It mandates that insurers cover health services provided by pharmacists if those services fall within the pharmacist’s scope and would otherwise be covered if performed by another healthcare provider. Additionally, the bill requires insurers to accept credentialing for pharmacists employed by healthcare facilities. It enhances the coverage of FDA-approved prescription drugs for opioid overdoses and disorders, eliminating prior authorization and ensuring fair reimbursement for pharmacies. The bill also aligns mental health coverage requirements with federal laws and implements technical updates in related statutes. Sections related to pharmacists’ roles become effective Oct. 1, 2025, while other sections are effective upon becoming law.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Donna McDowell White proposed the most bills (37) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Huneycutt graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2014 with a BA.

Huneycutt, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 67th House district, replacing previous state representative Clayton Sasser.