Alaska law requires PBM licensing, expands prior authorization rules

Becker's Healthcare January 9, 2026
Jakob Emerson

Alaska lawmakers passed a sweeping insurance reform bill last year that changes how insurers and pharmacy benefit managers operate in the state, effective Jan. 1.

Five notes:

1. Pharmacy benefit managers and third-party administrators need licenses instead of just registering with the state. PBMs also have to work with the state’s Medicaid program and respond to claim inquiries within 60 days for any services provided within the last three years. They can’t deny claims because of when they were filed, what form was used, or if prior authorization wasn’t obtained upfront.
2. If an insurer offers different coverage levels based on whether a provider is in-network, prior authorization request forms have to explain how patients and providers can ask for exceptions....

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