Key facts
- Walmart has agreed to a $3.1 billion settlement to resolve U.S. government allegations that its pharmacies contributed to the opioid epidemic.
- The lawsuit accused Walmart's pharmacies of unlawfully dispensing prescription opioids.
- Walmart disputes the allegations but stated the settlement framework will provide significant aid to communities.
- Walmart will pay $50 million to settle a U.S. government lawsuit over its role in the opioid crisis.
- Native American tribes will receive $78 million from the settlement.
Walmart has agreed to a $3.1 billion settlement to resolve allegations by the U.S. government that its pharmacies contributed to the nationwide opioid epidemic by unlawfully dispensing prescription drugs. The Department of Justice confirmed the settlement, stating that Walmart failed to comply with its obligations under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
While Walmart "strongly disputes" the allegations, the company stated that the settlement framework is in the best interest of all parties and will provide significant aid to communities. The retail giant's proposed settlement follows similar agreements by CVS Health and Walgreens, which each proposed to pay about $5 billion.
The settlement is not yet final and requires approval from 43 states by December 15, with local governments having until March 31, 2023, to sign on. Native American tribes will receive $78 million from the settlement. The funds are intended to help combat the opioid crisis, which has been linked to over 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades.
Walmart will pay $50 million to settle a U.S. government lawsuit accusing the retailer of fueling the opioid epidemic by unlawfully dispensing prescriptions. The settlement amount is far less than the billions in civil penalties the Justice Department had said Walmart could owe, and the company called the amount immaterial.