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BISMARCK - The North Dakota Insurance Commission has notified 25 pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) of apparent unlicensed activity in the state.
North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread said in a news release that the PBMs have 20 days after receiving the notice to submit a complete license application before cease-and-desist orders are issued.
PBMs serve as middlemen between insurers, pharmacies and drug manufacturers. They influence prescription drug pricing, coverage and pharmacy reimbursement, affecting what North Dakotans pay for medications and the ability of local pharmacies to serve their communities, according to the release.
The notices follow the passage of House Bill 1584 by the 2025 Legislature, which established a dedicated PBM Division within the department and expanded the commissioner's authority to investigate and enforce state laws governing PBM practices.