Arizona Sues PBMs Optum and Express Scripts Over Opioid Prescription Roles

Arizona Takes Legal Action Against Pharmacy Benefit Managers Amid Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis in Arizona has prompted legal action as the state’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has filed a lawsuit against two major pharmacy benefit managers, Optum and Express Scripts. This lawsuit aims to hold these companies accountable for their involvement in the proliferation of opioid prescriptions in the state.

Launched in Maricopa County Superior Court, this consumer fraud lawsuit alleges that both firms have maintained strong connections with opioid manufacturers over the past two decades, focusing predominantly on profit from the sale of these powerful medications. Richie Taylor, a spokesperson for the Attorney General's office, expressed that the companies were primarily interested in “moving as many prescriptions for opioids as quickly as they could to make as much money as they could.”

According to the lawsuit, these pharmacy benefit managers engaged in practices that minimized the perceived dangers of opioid addiction and failed to apply necessary regulations that could have mitigated the risk associated with excessive prescriptions. For instance, the absence of prior authorization checks might have allowed for the unchallenged approval of opioid prescriptions, exacerbating the ongoing crisis.

The consequences of opioid misuse within Arizona are dire, as the state has recorded thousands of overdose fatalities. The Attorney General's office argues that the actions taken by pharmacy benefit managers have directly contributed to the rising number of addiction cases and overdoses, culminating in significant societal and healthcare costs.

This lawsuit is not only seeking financial restitution and civil penalties from these companies but also aims to halt their alleged harmful practices. In defense, Optum has rejected the claims, asserting that “This lawsuit is a misdirected attempt to cast blame on Optum for a public health crisis caused entirely by other actors.” The company further emphasized its commitment to combating opioid abuse, stating it has been actively engaged in efforts to support communities affected by this epidemic.

As for Express Scripts, the company did not provide any comments in response to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.