BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A trade group representing pharmacy benefit managers has filed a federal lawsuit challenging two new North Dakota laws that broaden oversight on the managers and require disclosure of some financial information.
The Washington, D.C.-based Pharmaceutical Care Management Association says the laws, which take effect on Aug.1, would increase drug costs and could “threaten patient safety.”
The suit wants a judge to halt the laws’ enforcement.
Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, negotiate with drug makers on behalf of health insurers, employers and unions that cover medications.
Backers of the legislation testified that PBMs lack oversight in North Dakota. The two bills sailed through the Legislature, and Gov. Doug Burgum signed them in April.
A spokeswoman for the North Dakota attorney general’s office decline comment on the lawsuit.
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