The Arkansas Insurance Department will require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to include dispensing fees in their reimbursements to pharmacies for prescription drugs, a legislative panel ruled Thursday.

Arkansas lawmakers are teaming up against pharmacy benefit managers. Many have been outspoken for months, saying PBMs continue hurting independent pharmacies in the natural state.

In January, a new Idaho law will take effect requiring reform of business practices by pharmacy middlemen — in search of tamping down prescription drug costs. The new law targets pharmacy benefit managers,