OptumRx Wins Forced Arbitration On 500 Pharmacies’ Rebate Claims

OptumRx won a case compelling arbitration over nationwide claims from more than 500 independent drug retailers who allege they were stiffed by the giant pharmacy benefit manager.

Allegations—including that California-based OptumRx reimbursed independent pharmacies for drug purchases below contractual rates, clawed back payments, and misbranded drugs as “name brand” in order to compensate retailers less—must be brought in arbitration, the Florida Second District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

The unauthored decision cuts off the attempts by Philadelphia-based Jacobs Law Group PC to negotiate a settlement on behalf of the pharmacies and underscores the strength of the Florida legal system’s preference ...