The Division of Insurance licenses and regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In accordance with M.G.L. c. 176Y, enacted pursuant to Chapter 342 of the Acts of 2024, the Division of Insurance is charged with the licensure and regulation of PBMs in the Commonwealth. Consistent with its authority, the Division licenses and regulates PBMs in a manner that appropriately safeguards Massachusetts consumers.
Licensure
Unless licensed by the Division of Insurance, no person, business, or other entity is permitted to operate as a PBM in Massachusetts.
Initial Licensure
The Division is implementing PBM licensure in stages. To begin, all PBMs and entities seeking to operate as PBMs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must obtain an initial, one-year license issued by the Division by January 1, 2026.
Initial license applications submitted to the Division pursuant to M.G.L. c. 176Y and Bulletin 2025-04 were due October 15, 2025.
Applications for Entities to be Licensed as Pharmacy Benefit Managers for the Period Between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2029
The Division previously issued initial PBM licenses for calendar year 2026. All such initial licenses expire as of December 31, 2026. All current and future PBM licensees that intend to operate as a PBM in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2027 are required to submit a license application for the period from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 176Y and 211 CMR 157.00. The Division issued Filing Guidance Notice 2026-H to provide PBM application information to entities seeking to be licensed as PBMs for 2027.
Questions?
Contact us
The Division has a dedicated email inbox for PBM license and registration questions: DOI.PBM@mass.gov.
Additional Information
The Division will continue to update this webpage as licensing implementation proceeds.
Image credits: Shutterstock
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