Add Row 
Add 
A Tragic Price Increase: The Untold Costs of Asthma Medication
The story of Cole Schmidtknecht, a 22-year-old from Wisconsin, recently captured the public's attention when he tragically succumbed to an asthma attack that was exacerbated by a staggering 700% price increase in his inhaler prescription. Just five days prior to his death, Cole learned from his pharmacist that his Advair Diskus inhaler had skyrocketed from under $70 to over $500, making it financially impossible for him to afford life-saving medication.
Understanding the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Central to this heartbreaking incident is the often opaque role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) like Optum Rx, which play a critical role in drug pricing and availability. With little transparency, these entities negotiate perks and rebates with pharmaceutical companies, often leaving patients like Cole in the lurch when their medication is suddenly dropped from coverage. The Schmidtknechts contend that their son was not notified of this formulary change, a claim that could shed light on laws surrounding customer notifications in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Public Backlash Against the Healthcare System
The Schmidtknechts are not alone in their fight against a healthcare system they view as failing its patients. A recent FTC report revealed that the largest PBMs have raised the costs of critical medications by billions of dollars—an alarming trend highlighted by an increasing number of similar lawsuits around the country. For instance, in Arizona, the mother of Ravi Coutinho filed against her son's insurer after he could not access mental health services that were promised under his plan.
A Call for Legislative Change
In the wake of Cole's death, his parents are advocating for legislation requiring a minimum of 90 days' notice before any medication is dropped from an insurance plan. This proposed change could potentially save lives by ensuring that patients have adequate time to adjust to medication availability. The urgent need for reform in how medications are priced and managed cannot be overstated—this is not just an issue for those with asthma or other chronic conditions; it impacts all families reliant on medications.
Lessons on Systemic Failures
Beyond their personal loss, the Schmidtknechts wish to kickstart a dialogue about the broader implications of profit-driven healthcare. As Bil Schmidtknecht remarked, the healthcare system’s flaws seem deliberate, designed in a way that prioritizes profit over patient care. This situation brings to light the chilling reality that many lives are at stake—where financial barriers can dictate the availability of essential medications.
The Schmidtknechts are committed to seeing "justice for Cole," a sentiment echoed by many who feel powerless against the rising costs of healthcare. Their fight is not just about Cole; it speaks to a growing insistence that health insurance and pharmaceuticals must prioritize patients, not profits. As they continue their legal battle, their journey highlights the urgent need for change in a system often seen as broken.
Write A Comment