Walgreens has agreed to pay up to $350 million to settle allegations by the US Justice Department that it illegally filled millions of opioid prescriptions and other controlled substances. The settlement includes an immediate payment of $300 million, with an additional $50 million due if the company undergoes a sale, transfer, or merger before 2032. The Justice Department accused Walgreens of dispensing unlawful prescriptions and seeking reimbursement through Medicare and other federal healthcare programs, violating the False Claims Act. The complaint also alleged that Walgreens pressured pharmacists to fill prescriptions, including controlled substances, without verifying their validity. This practice allegedly persisted from August 2012 to March 2023. The lawsuit aims to hold Walgreens accountable for its role in the opioid crisis. A Walgreens spokesperson stated that the company disagrees with the government’s claims and admits no liability. This resolution allows Walgreens to close all opioid-related litigation with favorable financial terms as it focuses on its turnaround strategy. — new from The Guardian
