Local employer advocate urges Burke County to consider joining opioid‑era style multidistrict litigation over pharmacy benefits managers

Christy Gupton addressed the board during informal public comment on March 17 and encouraged Burke County and local employers to consider joining ongoing multidistrict litigation against prescription drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). ‘‘Employers should strongly consider joining the multidistrict litigation against Big Pharma due to these entities' harmful business practices,’’ Gupton said.

Nut graf: Gupton argued that litigation could recover improperly diverted funds from employer‑sponsored health plans and that a multidistrict approach — similar to the opioid settlements — could return money to local plans and communities.

Gupton referenced Department of Justice criminal actions and noted civil litigation is underway; she said prescription costs compose a significant portion of employer health plan premiums and that alleged price‑fixing and formulary manipulation by manufacturers and PBMs have increased employer and employee costs. She offered to host a stakeholder Zoom meeting with an MDL specialist and encouraged county employers and plan sponsors to review participation options.

Ending: The board received the comment; Gupton supplied contact and meeting information for follow‑up discussions with county staff or local employers.