Philadelphia has taken pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Health, Express Scripts, and Optum to federal court, alleging they contributed significantly to the opioid crisis in the city. The lawsuit claims that these companies knowingly over-distributed opioids, deceivingly marketed them to boost profits, and profited from the addiction epidemic.
The city's complaint argues that PBMs played a critical role as intermediaries between insurers, manufacturers, and pharmacies, allowing powerful and addictive opioids to flood local communities. As such, they made the situation worse for Philadelphians. Mayor Cherelle Parker stated, "We will not sit idly by while corporations boost their bottom lines at the expense of the health and safety of Philadelphians."
According to the lawsuit, CVS Health, Express Scripts, and Optum had access to vast amounts of data on prescription patterns, insurance claims, and clinical records. Despite this, they allegedly continued to prescribe and dispense opioids in exchange for rebates from manufacturers.
CVS Health has denied these allegations, stating that the claims are "without merit" and that they will defend themselves vigorously. Express Scripts and Optum have yet to respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages as well as court-ordered corrective action programs to address Philadelphia's opioid epidemic. The crisis has had a devastating impact on public health, safety, and peace in the city. Fatal overdoses peaked at 1,400 in 2022, with most involving opioids and disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic communities.
Preliminary data show that fatal overdoses have decreased by 19% from 2023 to 2024. However, the opioid crisis remains a pressing concern for Philadelphia. Pennsylvania has seized nearly 50 million fentanyl doses this year, including 27 million from the Philadelphia region.
City officials argue that holding these corporations accountable is crucial in addressing the ongoing impact of addiction on local communities. Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer stated, "Holding those responsible who benefited from exacerbating this situation will help the city continue to right this tragic wrong."
The city's complaint argues that PBMs played a critical role as intermediaries between insurers, manufacturers, and pharmacies, allowing powerful and addictive opioids to flood local communities. As such, they made the situation worse for Philadelphians. Mayor Cherelle Parker stated, "We will not sit idly by while corporations boost their bottom lines at the expense of the health and safety of Philadelphians."
According to the lawsuit, CVS Health, Express Scripts, and Optum had access to vast amounts of data on prescription patterns, insurance claims, and clinical records. Despite this, they allegedly continued to prescribe and dispense opioids in exchange for rebates from manufacturers.
CVS Health has denied these allegations, stating that the claims are "without merit" and that they will defend themselves vigorously. Express Scripts and Optum have yet to respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages as well as court-ordered corrective action programs to address Philadelphia's opioid epidemic. The crisis has had a devastating impact on public health, safety, and peace in the city. Fatal overdoses peaked at 1,400 in 2022, with most involving opioids and disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic communities.
Preliminary data show that fatal overdoses have decreased by 19% from 2023 to 2024. However, the opioid crisis remains a pressing concern for Philadelphia. Pennsylvania has seized nearly 50 million fentanyl doses this year, including 27 million from the Philadelphia region.
City officials argue that holding these corporations accountable is crucial in addressing the ongoing impact of addiction on local communities. Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer stated, "Holding those responsible who benefited from exacerbating this situation will help the city continue to right this tragic wrong."
. The numbers are insane, 1,400 fatal overdoses in '22... it's like they just tossed a time bomb at Philly and walked away 
. CVS, Express Scripts, Optum - all these companies seem to have been playing some shady games with data & rebates... it's disgusting.
. We need more than just big companies in a courtroom - we need tangible solutions on the ground. And what about the Black & Hispanic communities that are bearing the brunt of this crisis? Are they gonna get the support & resources they need from this lawsuit?
They're not going to let corporations get away with hurting their people. Pennsylvania needs to keep fighting for justice and healing those communities. This lawsuit is a step in the right direction, hope it leads to some real change 
. It's crazy that they knew about the opioid crisis but kept on prescribing those addictive meds anyway 
. Our city needs answers, not more profits 
. I hope the lawsuit holds them accountable and gives a voice to Philly's victims 
. It's time for these corporations to take responsibility for their actions 
.
It's just heartbreaking what's happened in Philly.
I mean, it's not like they didn't see what was happening. They knew about the addictive nature of opioids and still kept pushing them on people.
It's time someone took responsibility for putting profits over people. Fingers crossed this lawsuit goes in Philly's favor and they get some much-needed justice! 
. It's like, we already know that PBMs are profiting off our suffering and now Philly is trying to hold them accountable 
. It's a heartbreaking crisis that has devastated so many lives and communities. We need to find a way to support these communities, not just punish the corporations 
. But we need to be realistic too – it's gonna take more than just one lawsuit to fix this problem. We need systemic changes, funding for treatment programs, and community-based initiatives that address the root causes of addiction 
. That's how we'll really start to see progress 
It's outrageous. Philly's already had so many families torn apart by addiction... and now they're saying we gotta just let the corporations off the hook because they'll "defend themselves" in court? 
Give me a break! We need real accountability here, not some corporate spin doctors trying to whitewash their involvement. The numbers are there, the proof is clear - these companies profited from our suffering. It's time someone held 'em accountable for the devastation they've caused. 
mayor cherelle parker is like "hey corporations gotta step up your game or else" 
the numbers don't lie - 1400 fatal overdoses in one year? that's just heartbreaking 
. But by taking them to court, Philly is sending a strong message that corporate profiteering comes at a steep price when it comes to public health and safety 
. The city's trying to take action, but it's a slow process. I hope the lawsuit brings some much-needed change and justice to those affected by this epidemic 
city officials r hopin court-ordered corrective action programs will address the ongoing impact of addiction on local communities but wot's da point if dey clda hav prevented dis from happenin in 1st place