The parents of Cole Schmidtknecht, a 22-year-old Wisconsin man, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OptumRX, Walgreens Pharmacy, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, alleging that a drastic price increase on his asthma medication directly led to his fatal attack.

Key Allegations:

  • Insurance Denial: In January 2024, Schmidtknecht was informed that his steroid inhaler, which he had relied on for over a decade, would no longer be covered by his insurance.
  • Unaffordable Cost: The out-of-pocket price jumped to $539.19, making it impossible for him to purchase.
  • Lack of Notice & Alternatives: The lawsuit claims that under Wisconsin law, he should have received prior notice of the price change. It also alleges that the Walgreens pharmacist failed to suggest more affordable options.
  • Tragic Outcome: Days after being unable to access his medication, Schmidtknecht suffered a severe asthma attack, lost consciousness, and was later removed from life support on January 21, 2024.

Family Seeks Accountability & Reform

His parents are suing for compensatory and punitive damages, hoping the case will expose systemic failures in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries that prevent patients from accessing lifesaving medications.