AG announces $3.1 B tentative settlement with Walmart over opioid allegations

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

Indianapolis, IN — Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has announced a $3.1 billion tentative settlement with Walmart to resolve allegations that the company contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the distribution and dispensing of opioids at its stores.

“The opioid crisis has devastated far too many Hoosier families,” Rokita said. “We continue working aggressively to hold accountable those companies whose actions have contributed to the opioid epidemic. Further, we are committed to bringing much-needed funding to fight the drug crisis in Indiana.”

Indiana’s tentative share of the prospective settlement is approximately $53 million.

Besides the monetary settlement, the proposed agreement requires significant improvements in how Walmart’s pharmacies handle opioids.

Rokita was one of 16 attorneys general who assisted in negotiating this proposed deal with Walmart, along with attorneys representing local governments.

This proposal comes on the heels of similar announcements by CVS Heath and Walgreen Co., each of which would pay approximately $5 billion in proposed settlements to resolve claims.

(Office of the Indiana Attorney General press release)