CVS Health, a pharmacy benefit manager and retail pharmacy chain, is facing multiple lawsuits filed by the state’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill. The legal action accuses CVS of inflating drug prices, exploiting its market position, and misusing sensitive customer data to influence public opinion against state legislation. The lawsuits, filed in St. Landry Parish, seek injunctive relief, civil penalties, and restitution. The controversy began after CVS sent mass text messages to customers on June 11, 2025, warning of potential pharmacy closures and medication cost increases if a proposed law restricting its business structure is passed. Governor Jeff Landry criticized CVS for sending the texts using communication channels normally reserved for healthcare updates. “CVS abused customers’ sensitive information to push a political message,” said Landry.
Additional lawsuits allege that CVS used its dominant role as a pharmacy benefit manager to under-reimburse independent pharmacies and route patients to its own stores, causing financial strain for smaller providers. Another suit claims CVS excluded low-cost medications in favor of high-priced drugs to maximize rebates, harming public health programs. Murrill stated CVS’s practices “manipulate prices, restrict competition, and channel profits internally.” CVS denied wrongdoing, stating, “Our communication with CVS customers, patients, and members of the community was consistent with the law,” and claimed its model offers “better access, affordability, and advocacy.”
