Fifteen states sue Wyeth

Again, Delaware is in a lawsuit regarding Medicaid.

Delaware has joined a coalition of states in a lawsuit against drugmaker Wyeth. They claim the pharmaceutical company cheated the states’ Medicaid programs out of rebates owed to them for the purchase of certain drugs. A Wyeth spokesperson has said the company’s pricing to Medicaid was in order. States say hospitals got a better discount, and the government is owed the same.

Medicaid is the government health insurance for poor residents. In another lawsuit involving the program, Delaware is on the defending end. Trade organizations for drug stores are suing the state because the state has cut payments to them for filling brand name prescriptions. Delaware’s governor has said the state is forced to cut payments to make up for an historic $800 million budget shortfall.