Kroger finalizes $1.37 billion settlement for improperly selling opioids

Kroger has finalized its $1.37 billion settlement for its role in the opioid crisis, the company and state attorneys general said Monday.

The settlement will settle most of the claims made by states, counties and Native American tribes that accused Kroger of fueling the opioid crisis, an epidemic that has caused more than half a million drug overdose deaths after Americans were easily prescribed and became attracted to prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin.

The groups accused Kroger of selling opioids in its pharmacies, leading to addiction and drug overdoses, without checking to see if they were overprescribed.

Under the deal, which was agreed in principle in September 2023, Kroger pharmacies will also have to more closely monitor, report and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.

“Completion of this agreement, originally reached in September 2023, will provide more than $1.2 billion in support of opioid reduction efforts nationwide while resolving nearly all of the outstanding opioid claims against the company,” a filing said. by Kroger.

But Kroger said the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

Kroger is one of the nation’s largest grocery companies, operating in 35 states and owning other store brands such as Ralph’s and Dillons.

Where does the Kroger opioid settlement money go?

The payments are split among the groups: most of the money goes to state and local governments, and a smaller portion goes to Native American tribes.

For example, $122 million is going to California to fund opioid addiction prevention programs. Payments are expected to begin in 2025.

“Funds secured in this agreement will allow the state and eligible cities and counties to continue to address the damage caused by this epidemic through comprehensive prevention, treatment and recovery programs and other resources,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.

Other major chains, including Walgreens, CVS and Walmart, have recently agreed to similar deals regarding the sale of opioids.