Family claims price hike forced their son to choose rent over life-saving medication

A 22-year-old Wisconsin man, Cole Schmidtknecht, died following an asthma attack after the price of his inhaler rose from $66 to over $500, his parents allege in a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks damages from Walgreens Pharmacy and United Health Group’s OptumRx for their role in the 2024 tragedy.

Schmidtknecht, who had been diagnosed with chronic asthma as an infant, managed his symptoms for over a decade with a corticosteroid inhaler. He had a self-insured health plan through his employer, which covered his prescription for Advair Diskus via OptumRx. However, in late 2023, OptumRx removed Advair Diskus from its list of covered medications without notifying customers, a violation of Wisconsin law requiring a 30-day notice for such changes.

Unable to pay, forced to make a choice

On January 10, 2024, Schmidtknecht attempted to refill his prescription at Walgreens but was informed that his insurance no longer covered it. The out-of-pocket cost was $539.19, an amount he could not afford. Forced to choose between paying rent and purchasing the inhaler, Schmidtknecht left without his medication, relying instead on an old emergency inhaler.

A fatal asthma attack

In the following days, Schmidtknecht’s symptoms worsened. On January 15, 2024, he suffered a severe asthma attack, became asphyxiated, and lost consciousness while being rushed to an Appleton, Wisconsin emergency room. Hospital staff administered epinephrine and CPR, but he remained in a coma for six days. On January 21, 2024, after doctors determined he had no chance of recovery, his parents made the heartbreaking decision to remove him from life support.

Family seeks justice

The Schmidtknecht family argues that Walgreens failed to assist their son in finding alternative treatment and that OptumRx knowingly removed a vital medication from its coverage, leading to his death. The lawsuit claims damages for loss of life, future earnings, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of rising prescription drug prices and their devastating consequences on individuals who rely on life-saving medications.