Honk News (Milwaukee, WI) – A 22-year-old man from Wisconsin tragically lost his life due to an asthma attack after the cost of his inhaler surged to more than $500, leading him to prioritize rent over essential medication, according to his parents.
The family of Cole Schmidtknecht is seeking compensation from Walgreens Pharmacy and United Health Group’s OptumRx, claiming their actions contributed to the unfortunate death in 2024, as stated in a lawsuit submitted to federal court.
Schmidtknecht received a chronic asthma diagnosis as a baby and effectively controlled his symptoms with a daily corticosteroid inhaler for more than ten years.
An employee at the truck center in Green Bay received a “modest hourly wage” and was covered by a self-insured plan provided by his employer through United Health Group, according to the lawsuit acquired by Law&Crime.
His strategy via OptumRx, part of United Health Group, included coverage for the corticosteroid inhaler Advair Diskus.
As part of the strategy, Schmidtknecht incurred costs ranging from approximately $35 to as much as $66.86 while navigating the initial phase of the plan’s deductible.
The lawsuit asserts that, without insurance, Schmidtknecht would face a cost exceeding $530 for the medication prescribed by the doctor.
In Fall 2023, OptumRx reportedly modified its list of covered medications for 2024, resulting in the exclusion of Advair Diskus from the coverage list.
The pharmacy care business faces allegations of failing to communicate its list of covered medications to customers, which is purportedly against Wisconsin law mandating that patients be informed at least 30 days prior to the expiration of their coverage.
On January 10, 2024, Schmidtknecht visited his nearby Walgreens affiliated with OptumRx to obtain his prescription, only to learn that his insurance no longer covered the medication.
The personal expense for the inhaler amounted to $539.19.
Schmidtknecht exited the pharmacy without obtaining his medication. On January 15, 2024, Schmidtknecht experienced a critical asthma attack that led to asphyxiation.
His roommate hurried him to the nearby emergency room in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Schmidtknecht became unresponsive and lacked a pulse while in the car. Medical personnel administered two doses of epinephrine and conducted CPR for a duration of four days.
After six days on a ventilator, his parents were informed that “he was beyond help,” according to the lawsuit.
On January 21, 2024, Schmidtknecht was pronounced dead after his parents made the decision to remove him from life support.
The family asserts that their son endured significant losses, including his life, future income, physical and emotional distress, and humiliation.
They are pursuing compensation for funeral costs and the loss of society and companionship due to their son’s passing.