AG Jennings Announces Opioid Settlement with Walmart
Delaware has reached a settlement with Walmart to resolve allegations that it contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to properly oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings says the settlement will provide over $3-billion nationally and will require Walmart to make significant improvements in how its pharmacies handle opioids. Under the settlement terms, Delaware will receive $11.8-million.
Additional information from the AG’s Press Release:
State attorneys general on the executive committee, attorneys representing local governments, and Walmart have agreed to this settlement, and it is now being sent to other states for review and approval.
The settlement will include:
- $3.1 billion to be divided by states that sign on, local governments, and tribes, which must be used to provide treatment and recovery services to people struggling with opioid use disorder.
- Broad, court-ordered requirements, including robust oversight to prevent fraudulent prescriptions and flag suspicious prescriptions.
Delaware’s portion of the settlement is estimated at $11.8 million. The parties are optimistic that the settlement will gain the support of the required 43 states by the end of 2022, allowing local governments to join the deal during the first quarter of 2023. Further details about how the money will be distributed will be forthcoming. Last month, states confirmed that promising negotiations were also underway with Walgreens and CVS. The parties continue their efforts to achieve those agreements.
In addition to Delaware, the Attorneys General of North Carolina, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Texas have served as the lead negotiators on this deal.
