Philadelphia's municipal government has taken its fight against the opioid crisis to federal court, targeting CVS Health and several other pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that it claims knowingly over-distributed opioids in an effort to boost profits.
In a nearly 300-page complaint, city officials alleged that these PBMs - including Express Scripts and Optum - made it easier for powerful, addictive opioids to flood local communities by deceptively marketing them. The companies, which serve as intermediaries between insurers and drug manufacturers, allegedly continued to prescribe and dispense opioids despite being aware of the growing addiction crisis.
The city is seeking not only financial compensation but also corrective action programs aimed at addressing the ongoing public health issue. Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a statement that the PBMs had profited from the opioid crisis while prioritizing profits over people's health, adding that "we will not sit idly by while corporations boost their bottom lines at the expense of the health and safety of Philadelphians."
CVS Health has denied the allegations, stating that they are "without merit" and that it intends to defend itself vigorously. Express Scripts has also denied claims made in the lawsuit, calling it a "misdirected attempt to cast blame on Optum for a public health crisis caused entirely by other actors." Optum similarly stated that it did not contribute to the crisis and has been working to implement solutions to address opioid abuse.
The city is particularly concerned about the impact of opioids on Philadelphia's Black and Hispanic communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis. While fatal overdoses peaked in 2022 at around 1,400, preliminary data show a 19% decline from 2023 to 2024.
Pennsylvania has taken action against opioid trafficking, seizing nearly 50 million fentanyl doses this year - including 27 million from the Philadelphia region. City officials argue that holding PBMs responsible for exacerbating the crisis is essential in addressing the ongoing public health issue and supporting affected communities.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation of the city's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged neighborhoods like Kensington. Mayor Parker stated that "Holding those responsible who benefited from exacerbating this situation will help the city continue to right this tragic wrong."
In a nearly 300-page complaint, city officials alleged that these PBMs - including Express Scripts and Optum - made it easier for powerful, addictive opioids to flood local communities by deceptively marketing them. The companies, which serve as intermediaries between insurers and drug manufacturers, allegedly continued to prescribe and dispense opioids despite being aware of the growing addiction crisis.
The city is seeking not only financial compensation but also corrective action programs aimed at addressing the ongoing public health issue. Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a statement that the PBMs had profited from the opioid crisis while prioritizing profits over people's health, adding that "we will not sit idly by while corporations boost their bottom lines at the expense of the health and safety of Philadelphians."
CVS Health has denied the allegations, stating that they are "without merit" and that it intends to defend itself vigorously. Express Scripts has also denied claims made in the lawsuit, calling it a "misdirected attempt to cast blame on Optum for a public health crisis caused entirely by other actors." Optum similarly stated that it did not contribute to the crisis and has been working to implement solutions to address opioid abuse.
The city is particularly concerned about the impact of opioids on Philadelphia's Black and Hispanic communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis. While fatal overdoses peaked in 2022 at around 1,400, preliminary data show a 19% decline from 2023 to 2024.
Pennsylvania has taken action against opioid trafficking, seizing nearly 50 million fentanyl doses this year - including 27 million from the Philadelphia region. City officials argue that holding PBMs responsible for exacerbating the crisis is essential in addressing the ongoing public health issue and supporting affected communities.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation of the city's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged neighborhoods like Kensington. Mayor Parker stated that "Holding those responsible who benefited from exacerbating this situation will help the city continue to right this tragic wrong."
I think its kinda crazy that Philly is taking CVS and other PBMs to court for allegedly profiting off the opioid crisis 
. Like, yeah, its a huge public health issue and we need more action, but let's not forget, these companies have been working with governments and insurers to try and combat the problem 
. That being said, I do think its awesome that the city is speaking up and demanding accountability 
. And it makes sense that they're targeting PBMs, 'cause they play a huge role in shaping how our healthcare system works 
. A 19% decline in fatal overdoses from last year to this year? That's super promising 
! We gotta keep pushing for solutions and supporting those most affected by the crisis 
THEY'RE FIGHTING AGAINST A CRISIS THAT'S DEVASTATED THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THEY'RE GOING UP AGAINST BIG-OBSERVATION COMPANIES WHO SEEM TO BE MORE INTERESTED IN MAKING BANK THAN HELPING PEOPLE. 
IT SOUNDS LIKE CVS HEALTH AND OTHER PBMS ARE PLAYING A BIG ROLE IN THIS EPIDEMIC BY MARKETING ADDICTIVE OPIOIDS AND CONTINUING TO PREScribe THEM DESPITE KNOWING THE RISKS. 
This is so messed up... PBMs are basically profiting off people's addiction and they're not even trying to hide it! 
Express Scripts, Optum, CVS Health - all of them are just taking advantage of ppl who can't even take care of themselves. It's like they're playing a game of greed and human lives are the pawns 
. Philly is fighting back though and I'm low-key hoping they win this lawsuit 
. We need more accountability, not less! 
. Like, can't they just prioritize people's health over profits for once? 
I mean, it's not like it's rocket science to realize that opioids are a huge problem and should be addressed ASAP. But noooo, Express Scripts and Optum are too busy making bank off the crisis 
. Like, how can you deny knowing your actions are contributing to an addiction epidemic? It's not like they were just sitting around twiddling their thumbs while people died from overdoses 
. The city is right to take them to court and make them pay for their greed 
It's not like it's going to hurt your bottom line or anything... oh wait, it probably will 
.
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they knew or should've known about the opioid crisis and still went ahead and profited off it 
we need to hold these corporations accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to communities of color like philadelphia's black and hispanic communities who have been disproportionately affected by this crisis 
.
. 19% decline in fatal overdoses is still way too high and it's a reminder that we have so far to go 
.
. But by holding companies like CVS Health accountable, we can start to create change. We need more of this kind of activism and less of the "business as usual" mentality 
.
I'm really proud of Philly for taking a stand against these big pharmacy companies! It's about time they're held accountable for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. 
Those PBMs are supposed to be helping people get the meds they need, not profiting off the suffering of others 
. It's amazing that Mayor Parker is fighting for those communities that have been hit hardest by this crisis - the Black and Hispanic ones are especially affected, and it's time we do something about it 
.