LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced a consumer-protection lawsuit Dec. 20 against Louisiana-based United Networks of America Inc. (UNA).
In the lawsuit, filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Rutledge accuses UNA of multiple law violations, including statutes governing health-related cash discount cards. The company sells, solicits and distributes prescription drug discount cards to consumers in Arkansas.
To provide the discounts, UNA contracts with pharmacy benefit managers. According to Rutledge’s office, the company promotes the business strategy through misleading advertising. UNA allegedly uses promotional material showing seals that imply a government endorsement.
Rutledge also alleges UNA failed to include cancellation notes required by Arkansas statutes and failed to maintain contracts with pharmacy providers.
“Arkansans are guaranteed a certain level of transparency and accountability to help them make their health care decisions,” Rutledge said. “When a company like United Networks of America chooses to ignore those requirements, it puts consumers at risk and makes the probability of confusion and harm more likely.”
Rutledge’s lawsuit seeks civil penalties, attorney fees, court costs and additional relief.