- Louisiana AG Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts, Inc. and its affiliate Ascent Health Services, LLC, for allegedly manipulating the prescription drug marketplace. AG Murrill alleges that Express Scripts and its partners have used their influence in the prescription drug market to limit competition and increase profits. The lawsuit alleges that the companies manipulated pharmacy reimbursement rates, concealed financial gains, and directed patients toward pharmacies they own or control while promoting their services as a way to save on prescription costs.
- The state further alleges that Express Scripts entered into an unlawful agreement with competing pharmacy benefit manager Prime Therapeutics to coordinate pharmacy reimbursement rates and fees while allegedly increasing their collective leverage over drug manufacturers. Louisiana contends that these practices have harmed the broader prescription drug market by contributing to higher drug prices, reducing reimbursement for independent pharmacies, and limiting competition.
- The state is seeking damages, civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and an injunction prohibiting Express Scripts from continuing the conduct alleged to violate federal and state law.