A tragic story from Green Bay, Wisconsin, has sparked a legal battle and public outcry. The family of 22-year-old Cole Schmidtknecht has filed a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, claiming that the skyrocketing cost of asthma medication contributed to their son’s untimely death. This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating consequences of rising prescription drug prices and the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

A Family’s Tragic Loss

The Schmidtknecht family is still grieving the loss of their son, Cole, who died from cardiac arrest following a severe asthma attack exactly one year ago. Cole did not have his inhaler during the attack, a situation the family says was caused by the dramatic increase in the cost of his asthma medication. Once a manageable $5 copay, the price of his inhaler had skyrocketed to nearly $540, leaving Cole unable to afford it.

The family’s lawsuit centers on the role of Optum Rx, the PBM responsible for managing Cole’s health plan. They claim that the company’s decision to remove Cole’s medication from coverage directly led to his death. The family’s attorney described the situation as a stark example of corporate negligence and greed.

The Legal Battle Begins

The lawsuit accuses Optum Rx of negligence and seeks punitive damages for the loss of Cole. It also alleges that the company violated three Wisconsin statutes related to healthcare and consumer protection. The charges are not limited to Optum Rx; the family has also named Walgreens in the suit, claiming the pharmacy had a duty to inform Cole about changes to his prescription coverage.

According to the lawsuit, Cole visited a Walgreens pharmacy in Appleton to refill his asthma medication. At the point of sale, he was informed that his insurance no longer covered the prescription, leaving him with an unaffordable price tag. Unable to pay the $540 out-of-pocket cost, Cole left the pharmacy without his medication. Just days later, he suffered a fatal asthma attack.

Allegations Against Optum Rx and Walgreens

The family’s attorney has called the actions of both Optum Rx and Walgreens “deplorable.” In a statement, the attorney said, “The evidence in this case will show that both Optum Rx and Walgreens put profits first, and are directly responsible for Cole’s death.”

The lawsuit highlights a critical issue in the U.S. healthcare system: the role of PBMs in determining drug prices and coverage. These middleman companies negotiate between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and insurance companies, often making decisions that directly impact patients’ access to essential medications. Critics argue that PBMs prioritize profits over patient care, as evidenced in cases like Cole’s.

The Human Cost of Rising Drug Prices

Cole’s story is not an isolated incident. Rising prescription drug costs have forced many Americans to ration medication or go without it altogether. For individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, the consequences can be deadly. Advocacy groups and lawmakers have called for greater transparency and regulation of PBMs to address this issue.

The Schmidtknecht family’s lawsuit aims to bring attention to these systemic problems while seeking justice for their son. Their case has resonated with many, prompting discussions about the need for affordable healthcare and the ethical responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies and PBMs.

Waiting for Accountability

Action 2 News reached out to Optum Rx and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association for comment. As of now, neither organization has responded. Walgreens has also not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.

The Schmidtknecht family’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the real-life consequences of rising healthcare costs. It is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and corporations to prioritize patients’ well-being over profits.

How the Public Can Help

This case has sparked interest in advocacy for more affordable healthcare. If you want to support families like the Schmidtknechts, here are some ways to help:

Advocate for Policy Change: Support legislation aimed at regulating PBMs and lowering drug prices.

Raise Awareness: Share stories like Cole’s to educate others about the impact of high medication costs.

Support Nonprofits: Donate to organizations working to improve access to affordable healthcare and medication.

Stay Informed: Follow news updates on healthcare policies and hold corporations accountable.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of the Schmidtknecht family’s lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving PBMs and prescription drug costs. While no legal resolution can undo the pain of losing a loved one, the family hopes their fight for justice will prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.

As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly draw attention to the ethical and financial challenges within the healthcare system. Cole’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for systemic change and the importance of putting patients first.

Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.