Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Attorney to select a law firm to file a lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers related to insulin; authorize the County Attorney to negotiate, on behalf of the County, a contingency fee agreement with outside counsel, consistent with the below-stated parameters; authorize the County Administrator to execute such agreement, subject to approval as to legal sufficiency by the County Attorney's Office; authorize the filing of the referenced lawsuit; and authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions.
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Why Action is Necessary
The County Attorney may only appoint outside counsel, and the County may only enter into an agreement for legal services, with Board approval.
What Action Accomplishes
Retention of outside counsel will allow the County to file a lawsuit against insulin drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers.
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels and allows the body to use glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. For many individuals with diabetes, insulin drug therapy is essential for survival.
Reports indicate that while insulin use has only risen modestly over the years, the prices of all types of insulin and insulin products have increased substantially. As a result of the dramatic increase in the cost of insulin, the County, which is self-insured for health and pharmacy benefits, has paid significantly more each year for insulin.
State and local governments, unions, and other purchasers of insulin have filed lawsuits alleging that insulin drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers are engaged in pricin...
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