West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reminding West Virginia consumers who purchased Lipitor between March 24, 2010, and Nov. 30, 2011, to file claims for compensation. The settlement money is due to overcharging caused by delayed generic competition for the cholesterol medication. Consumers have until July 28 to file their claims.
Notices have been appearing in newspapers and magazines, and the Attorney General’s Office wants to assure consumers that this is a legitimate settlement and remind consumers that the time to file a claim is limited.
Who qualifies for compensation? A person is eligible to file a claim if one purchased brand-name Lipitor in West Virginia; paid for Lipitor (including insurance copays or out-of-pocket costs); made these purchases between March 24, 2010, and Nov. 30, 2011; and even if a person made a claim under a private class action lawsuit, one is still eligible to submit a claim in this settlement.
To file a claim, go to www.WVLipitorclaim.com (fastest option) or mail completed claim form to WV Lipitor Settlement, P.O. Box 2031, Tustin, CA 92780. Receipts are not necessary to file a claim.
For questions, call toll-free 888-250-6810.
Earlier this year, McCuskey announced that the state had reached a settlement agreement with Pfizer Inc. (and related companies) and Ranbaxy Inc. (and related companies) as the result of an antitrust lawsuit that alleged the two companies conspired to delay the introduction onto the market of a cheaper generic version of Lipitor for 20 months. Lipitor’s original patent expired on March 24, 2010.
“This settlement is about holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for putting their bottom line before people,” McCuskey said. “Consumers can file a claim for Lipitor overcharges so they can rightfully be compensated for money they shouldn’t have had to spend for medication they need.”
The consumer settlement is being disbursed by ILYM Group, a third-party claims administrator. Call the ILYM Group at 888-250-6810 with questions about claims.
