Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is taking on two major players in the prescription drug industry.
Murrill has filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts, Inc. and its affiliate, Ascent Health Services, LLC, accusing them of manipulating the drug marketplace at the expense of Louisiana patients, families and independent pharmacies.
The state alleges the companies restricted competition, concealed profits, manipulated pharmacy reimbursement rates and steered patients toward pharmacies they own or control—all while claiming to save customers money.
“Louisiana families are working harder than ever to pay their bills, and they shouldn’t have to fight a profiteering middleman just to afford the medicine prescribed by their doctor,” Murrill said. “PBMs have built a system where they can profit from higher drug prices, squeeze pharmacies in our communities, and limit choices available to patients.”
Independent pharmacies have also paid the price, according to the lawsuit. The state says some have been forced to accept reimbursement rates below the cost of acquiring medications while facing substantial fees and restrictive contract terms.
Murrill’s office argues those practices threaten health care access, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The lawsuit also accuses Express Scripts of entering into an unlawful agreement with direct competitor Prime Therapeutics to coordinate pharmacy reimbursement rates and fees. The state says the conduct increased their collective leverage over drug manufacturers while contributing to higher prices, lower pharmacy reimbursements and reduced competition.
“Patients deserve transparency. Pharmacists deserve a fair marketplace. And Louisiana families deserve to know that the healthcare system is working for them—not against them,” Murrill said.
Louisiana is seeking damages, civil penalties, attorneys’ fees and an injunction prohibiting the alleged unlawful conduct under federal and state law.
READ MORE:Louisiana sues two prescription drug companies accused of manipulating prices
