Wisconsin Couple Sues Walgreens Over Son’s Asthma Medication Price Hike
A tragic case in Wisconsin is drawing attention to the critical issues surrounding prescription drug pricing and access to essential medications. Shanon and William Schmidtknecht of Poynette are suing Walgreens and pharmacy benefits management company OptumRx, claiming that the sudden increase in the cost of their son Cole’s asthma medication led to his untimely death.
Background of the Case
Cole Schmidtknecht, who had battled asthma throughout his life, relied on the medication Advair Diskus along with its generic counterparts to manage his condition. On January 10, 2024, he visited a Walgreens pharmacy in Appleton to refill his prescription, only to discover that the price had surged from $66 to a staggering $539 out-of-pocket. Faced with this unexpected financial burden, Cole left the pharmacy without his medication.
Tragically, just days later, Cole suffered a fatal asthma attack. His parents allege that this incident could have been avoided if he had been able to access his necessary medication at a reasonable price.
Allegations Against Walgreens and OptumRx
The Schmidtknechts have filed their lawsuit in federal court in Milwaukee, alleging that OptumRx violated Wisconsin law by implementing a significant price increase without a valid medical justification and failing to provide the required 30 days’ notice of such changes. OptumRx, which manages prescription claims for over 66 million people in the U.S., is accused of prioritizing profits over patient care.
The lawsuit also highlights the role of Walgreens pharmacy staff, who reportedly did not offer Cole any alternatives or options to help him afford his medication. According to the Schmidtknechts, the pharmacy did not contact OptumRx to request an exception for Cole, nor did they consult his doctor about possible alternatives.
Legal Implications and Family’s Statement
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll of their loss. Family attorney Michael Trunk stated, “The conduct of both OptumRx and Walgreens was deplorable. The evidence in this case will show that both OptumRx and Walgreens put profits first and are directly responsible for Cole’s death.”
Response from OptumRx
In response to the lawsuit, OptumRx claimed that a review of Cole’s claims indicated he had purchased a different asthma medication, generic Albuterol, for a $5 co-pay on January 10, 2024. They maintained that his case was handled according to industry standards and the design of his insurance plan. However, Trunk clarified that the $5 prescription was for Cole’s rescue inhaler, not the Advair Diskus that he needed for daily management of his asthma.
Importance of Access to Affordable Medications
This case underscores a growing concern in the United States regarding access to affordable medications. The Schmidtknechts’ story is a poignant reminder of the potential consequences when patients face exorbitant costs for essential treatments. As healthcare costs continue to rise, the need for transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries becomes increasingly urgent.
Final Thoughts
The tragic loss of Cole Schmidtknecht has sparked a critical conversation about the complexities of prescription drug pricing and access to necessary medications. As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely to see how this case may influence future policies and practices regarding pharmaceutical pricing and patient care in the United States.
For more information on prescription drug pricing and patient advocacy, you can visit The National Alliance on Mental Illness or The American Lung Association.
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of ensuring that all individuals have access to the medications they need to lead healthy lives.