The ERISA Industry Committee has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, challenging the state's Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act.
ERIC argues that two provisions of the law are invalid under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which preempts state laws related to employee benefit plans. The lawsuit claims that the Minnesota law restricts employers' use of pharmacy networks and mail-order programs for maintenance medications, according to a Dec. 27 news release from the agency.
ERIC's complaint seeks to halt the enforcement of the Minnesota law, arguing that it interferes with federal protections under ERISA.
The agency also expressed concern that the law extends beyond Minnesota, impacting prescription drug benefit plans nationwide if they contract with PBMs licensed in the state.