Back in January 2024, the heartbroken parents of Cole Schmidtknecht decided to take him off life support after suffering a devastating asthma attack. Previously, Schmidtknecht was unable to get his inhaler after his insurance stopped covering the medication. This meant that his usual $50 copay turned into a whopping $540 out-of-pocket cost that he was unable to afford.
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The 22-year-old Schmidtknecht, according to the New York Post, was diagnosed with asthma as an infant. However, he was able to manage his symptoms via a corticosteroid inhaler he had been using for the past ten years. His OptumRx insurance plan allowed him to only spend 35 to 66 dollars at a time for his inhaler.
However, OptumRx, a subsidiary of United Health Group, allegedly changed the medications they would cover in 2024. This effectively removed Advair Diskus, the inhaler Schmidtknecht used, from the list. However, Schmidtknecht was unaware of the change.
Skyrocketing Price
So, when he visited his local pharmacy, a Walgreens, and attempted to fill his prescription on January 10, 2024, he was met with a shocking realization. He was told that his insurance no longer covered his medication.
This meant that, instead of paying the usual amount, he would have to pay the out-of-pocket cost of $549.19. Given the outrageous cost, he didn't have a choice but to leave the pharmacy without it. Schmidtknecht chose to pay his rent instead of his inhaler, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
Five days later, on January 15, 2024, Cole Schmidtknecht suffered a catastrophic asthma attack that ended up with him suffering from asphyxiation. He was rushed to the emergency room immediately. While he was administered epinephrine, he fell into a coma. Six days later, medical staff told Schmidtknecht's parents that "he was beyond help." They took Cole off life support on January 21, 2024.
Shannon and William Schmidtknecht, following their son's death, sued both OptumRx and Walgreens Pharmacy. They accuse the insurance company of not communicating the list of medications covered to their customers. This also included the sudden change of covered medications. The Schmidtknechts also claim that Walgreens was unable to help Cole find medication for his asthma.
They are seeking damages related to funeral expenses and for loss of society and companionship, caused by Schmidtknecht's death.
