There has been an injunction filed in State Court to prevent the Louisiana’s Office of Group Benefits from entering into a $2 billion pharmacy contract with CVS Caremark. The Journal reached out to two local pharmacies, but the calls were not returned.

KALB TV reported, “A temporary 10-day restraining order has been granted by Judge Kelly Balfour in the 19th Judicial District Court.” The contract would potentially impact over 200,000 State workers, including teachers and other State employees, on where they go to fill prescriptions and get vaccines. A hearing on the injunction will be held in Alexandria on Wednesday.

Locally, the change by the Office of Group Benefits will effect the Parish’s largest employers, Northwestern State University and the Natchitoches Parish School Board, in addition to all other State employees.

The Journal will provide more details and the results of the hearing as they become available.

Background:

Starting Jan. 1, 2023, over 200,000 state workers under the Office of Group Benefits (OBG) could see a change that will impact where they fill their prescriptions locally.

This change is a result of the a decision made by the State of Louisiana  to sign a $2 billion pharmacy agreement OGB and CVS Caremark for State employees, despite repeated opposition from both lawmakers and pharmacists.

State employees should contact their pharmacy to see what impact this change may have on their family.

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