West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group and the subsidiary containing its pharmacy benefit manager, Optum, over their alleged role in the state’s opioid crisis, according to a Dec. 8 statement and court filing.
The complaint accused Optum of disregarding safeguards, engaging with drug manufacturers on marketing strategies and failing to address inappropriate opioid use.
“When Optum came into West Virginia around 2010, it knew the toll that opioids were exacting on West Virginia families and communities. We called it a crisis. Optum saw a business opportunity. And in its greed, Optum chose to make things worse,” Mr. McCuskey said. “It is time that Optum, whose critical role was previously unknown, is held accountable.”
The lawsuit accused Optum of violating the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act and the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with negligence.
The state requested the PBM to pay damages.
Earlier this year, the attorney general went after fellow PBM Express Scripts, as well. In 2024, Arkansas also sued Optum and Express Scripts.
“This lawsuit misrepresents Optum’s longstanding commitment to addressing a public health crisis that it neither caused nor encouraged,” Optum Rx said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “For years, Optum has consistently played a constructive role in combating opioid abuse, proactively implementing effective programs and supporting communities in need. We remain dedicated to working to find meaningful solutions to combat this complex problem.”
