West Virginia Sues UnitedHealth Group, Alleging Optum’s Role As PBM Contributed To Opioid Crisis

The West Virginia attorney general filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group, alleging that pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) services provided by its subsidiary, Optum, contributed to the state’s opioid crisis. This is the state’s second lawsuit filed against a PBM, with the attorney general’s office previously suing Express Scripts.

“The attorney general’s investigation has revealed that in the midst of the opioid crisis, Optum was not only ramping up the flood of pills coming into West Virginia, but actively obstructing safeguards meant to save West Virginian lives,” the announcement stated. “The state’s suit alleges that, long . . .