Idaho Insurance Department briefs JFAC on PBM enforcement, high‑risk pool, wildfire insurance pressure and requests for staff and equipment

The Idaho Department of Insurance told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 21 that it is enforcing new pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reporting requirements, continuing a state high‑risk reinsurance pool and monitoring wildfire‑related stress in the homeowners insurance market while seeking targeted staff and capital purchases.

The presentation and requests Noah Peterson, legislative budget analyst, summarized the Department of Insurance budget and enhancement requests. The agency seeks one full‑time staff actuary (primarily for rate and product actuarial review), a regulatory compliance specialist to serve as an internal non‑conflicted legal resource and public policy advisor, compensation increases for the state fire marshal team, and one‑time capital outlay for state fire marshal equipment including turnout gear, cameras and two medium‑duty pickup trucks. Peterson also noted a trailer appropriation that implemented House Bill 596 and a prior addition of 1 FTP and $132,400 to handle PBM reporting responsibilities.

PBM compliance and complaints Dean Cameron, director of the Department of Insurance, told the committee the…