(PatriotNews.net) – A Wisconsin family is taking legal action against Walgreens and OptumRx, alleging that an exorbitant asthma medication price hike cost their son his life.
At a Glance
- Wisconsin couple sues Walgreens and OptumRx after son’s death from unaffordable medication.
- Lawsuit filed in federal court a year after 22-year-old Cole Schmidtknecht’s death.
- Asthma treatment cost spiked from $66 to $539, rendering it unaffordable for Cole.
- Allegations accuse OptumRx of violating state law by failing to notify of price increases.
Family’s Heartbreaking Legal Battle
The lawsuit filed by the grieving parents on January 21 in Milwaukee federal court marks the tragic anniversary of their son’s passing. They claim that Walgreens and the pharmacy manager OptumRx are responsible for their 22-year-old son, Cole Schmidtknecht’s death, when his asthma medication became unaffordable.
Cole, who had battled asthma all his life, relied on a daily inhaler dose of Advair Diskus. On January 10, 2024, Cole discovered that his medication cost had inexplicably soared from $66 to a staggering $539, a price he couldn’t pay. Out of options, Cole tried to manage his condition with a cheaper rescue inhaler, only to succumb to a fatal asthma attack days later.
Accusations Against OptumRx and Walgreens
The lawsuit accuses OptumRx of violating Wisconsin law by hiking prices without a valid reason and offers no prior notice. Critically, it alleges Walgreens staff failed to assist Cole by offering alternatives or seeking an exception via communication with OptumRx or his doctor.
“The conduct of both OptumRx and Walgreens was deplorable,” one of the family’s attorneys, Michael Trunk, said in a statement. “The evidence in this case will show that both OptumRx and Walgreens put profits first, and are directly responsible for Cole’s death.” – Michael Trunk.
The lawsuit seeks damages accusing both entities of prioritizing profits over patient care, a damning indictment of the pharmacy and insurance industries. It’s noteworthy that OptumRx claimed the price change was consistent with “industry practice and the patient’s insurance plan design.” Meanwhile, Walgreens has yet to respond to the lawsuit requests for comment.
Implications for Healthcare Sector
This heart-wrenching case lays bare the systemic failures in the pharmaceutical landscape that need urgent rectification. It’s a harsh reminder that critical, life-saving medications must remain accessible to all and shouldn’t be pawns in corporate profiteering.
“consistent with industry practice and the patient’s insurance plan design,” the company said. – OptumRx.
As this legal case unfolds, it underscores the need for greater transparency and ethical responsibility in pharmaceutical pricing practices, reminding us that patient lives are invaluable.
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