This lawsuit opened in a new tab that was brought in New Jersey federal court by Ann Lewandowski, a healthcare policy and advocacy director. Claims Johnson & Johnson of breaching its obligations pursuant to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to manage its benefits plans for employees.

Johnson & Johnson‘s self-funded health plans offer inflated rates to the pharmacy benefit managers of many generic medicines and, in turn, increase the cost of out-of-pocket expenses for employees, as per the lawsuit.

For instance, plan One will pay $1,629 to cover 90 pills of the HIV antiviral drug abacavir-lamivudine, which costs pharmacies approximately $180, as per the complaint. Prescriptions for teriflunomide, which is used to treat MS, typically cost just $177 in the pocket of Johnson and Johnson’s health insurance plans and pay up to $10,200, as per the lawsuit.

“No prudent fiduciary would agree to make its plan and beneficiaries pay a price that is two-hundred-and-fifty times higher than the price available to any individual who just walks into a pharmacy and pays out-of-pocket,” Lewandowski’s lawyers wrote in the complaint.

Johnson & Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for information.

Lewandowski was hired by Johnson & Johnson in 2021 and is responsible for healthcare policy within Wisconsin and Minnesota, as per the lawsuit. The complaint claims Lewandowski is currently on a leave of absence from the company “due to a dispute regarding a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition.”

The lawsuit seeks to create a national collection that includes Johnson & Johnson health plan beneficiaries and participants. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and the statutory penalties that are imposed under ERISA.

In conclusion, if you or a loved one have been affected by the potential risks associated with J&J talcum powder, taking action is crucial. 

Seek a free case evaluation from The Justice Now, a trusted resource dedicated to helping those affected. Don’t hesitate to explore your legal options and secure the compensation and support you deserve. 

Act now to protect your health and well-being and hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for their products.