Key facts
- Walmart has agreed to a $3.1 billion settlement to resolve U.S. government allegations regarding its role in the opioid crisis.
- 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.
- The settlement requires approval from 43 states by December 15 and local governments by March 31, 2023.
- 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 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.