Family Blames Drug Price Increase for Tragic Loss
A Wisconsin couple has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens and pharmacy benefits manager OptumRx, alleging that their 22-year-old son, Cole Schmidtknecht, died after being unable to afford a sudden $500 price increase for his asthma medication.
Shanon and William Schmidtknecht, of Poynette, initiated legal action in federal court in Milwaukee on January 21—exactly one year after Cole’s death. The lawsuit claims that the sharp price increase forced their son to leave a Walgreens pharmacy without his prescribed medication, ultimately leading to a fatal asthma attack days later.
Medication Price Jumped from $66 to $539
According to the lawsuit, Cole had managed his asthma with daily doses of Advair Diskus and its generic equivalents throughout his life. However, when he attempted to refill his prescription at a Walgreens pharmacy in Appleton on January 10, 2024, he was informed that the price had risen from $66 to $539. Unable to afford the unexpected cost, Cole left without his medication and relied solely on his rescue inhaler until his fatal attack.
The lawsuit alleges that OptumRx violated Wisconsin law by significantly increasing the drug’s cost without valid medical justification and failing to provide the required 30-day advance notice of the price change.
Claims of Negligence Against Walgreens and OptumRx
The Schmidtknechts contend that Walgreens pharmacy staff failed to provide Cole with alternative options to obtain his medication. They claim that the staff did not suggest cheaper alternatives, reach out to OptumRx for an exception, or contact Cole’s doctor to request assistance in securing the medication.
“The conduct of both OptumRx and Walgreens was deplorable,” said the family’s attorney, Michael Trunk. “The evidence in this case will show that both companies put profits first and are directly responsible for Cole’s death.”
Companies Respond to Allegations
OptumRx has not yet commented on the lawsuit. However, in a previous statement issued last April, the company expressed sympathy for Cole’s family and stated that its handling of his case was consistent with standard industry practices and his insurance plan. OptumRx also noted that Cole purchased a different asthma medication, a generic Albuterol inhaler, for a $5 co-pay on the same day he attempted to refill his Advair Diskus prescription.
Trunk countered this claim on Wednesday, stating that the $5 medication was a rescue inhaler, not the daily maintenance inhaler Cole relied on to control his asthma.
Walgreens has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
Legal Action Seeks Justice for Cole
The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages, holding Walgreens and OptumRx accountable for their alleged role in Cole’s death. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the impact of rising prescription drug costs and the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacy benefits managers in ensuring patients receive necessary medications.
