(a) By the end of plan year 2017, the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall explore the evidence supporting opportunities for benefit modification informed by:
(1) The Choosing Wisely Initiative;
(2) Emerging therapies; and
(3) Therapeutic alternatives to invasive surgical procedures, such as regenerative injection therapy.
(b) By July 2018, the board shall:
(1) Identify and consider implementation of pilot programs that include stepped therapy or center of excellence approaches, or both, for which evidence demonstrates cost savings to the plan; and
(2) Identify opportunities to stimulate conversations between patients and providers about appropriate and necessary treatment, including treatment recommendations identified by the Choosing Wisely Initiative.