Government and Politics
November 4, 2022
From: Iowa Governor Kim ReynoldsSettlements would be the first with retail pharmacy chains
DES MOINES — Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and a bipartisan group of attorneys general have reached a settlement in principle with CVS and Walgreens, which would provide $10.7 billion to states and local governments nationally to address the opioid crisis.
The retail pharmacy chains told investors Wednesday about the agreements to settle the lawsuits. CVS expects to provide $5 billion in payments over 10 years, while Walgreens would make $5.7 billion in payments over 15 years. Critical details of the settlements remain the subject of continuing negotiations.
“Addressing the opioid epidemic has been a priority of my office for many years,” Miller said. “We have worked to address this crisis by holding accountable those who exacerbated the use of opioids, including retail pharmacies.”
CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are the two largest pharmacy chains in the U.S. The AGs had accused the companies of ignoring red flags over opioid prescriptions and failing to detect and prevent the abuse and diversion of the drugs.
“While significant work remains, a broad coalition of states is making progress in our negotiations with the pharmacies,” Miller said. “We are hopeful that we will be able to reach a final agreement on all terms and provide meaningful resources to those suffering from Opioid Use Disorder.”
The agreements in principle are the first between the AG’s office and pharmacy chains. Miller previously announced several agreements with opioid manufacturers:
Find Help
If you or a loved one suffers from Opioid Use Disorder, go to IowaOpioidHelp.com to find treatment centers and other resources across the state. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office launched the site in September to provide Iowans with a path to recovery.
“Most people do not realize that addiction to opioids is treatable and that Iowans suffering from Opioid Use Disorder can successfully regain control of their lives,” AG Miller said. “There is help and hope available right now.”
For more information on opioid settlements, visit our Opioid Settlement Information page.