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Friday, November 22, 2024

Kroger settles for $1.37 billion in national opioid case

State AG
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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul | Official Website

Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced the finalization of a bipartisan national settlement with Kroger, obligating the grocery chain to pay $1.37 billion to participating states and local governments due to its role in the opioid crisis.

Illinois will receive over $40 million from this settlement, which will be allocated based on the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement. This agreement, negotiated by Raoul's office in 2021 with state’s attorneys, aims to ensure equitable distribution of funds received through national opioid settlements, including counties and eligible municipalities. Most of Illinois' share will be directed to the Illinois Remediation Fund for abatement programs statewide.

"This settlement ensures Kroger is held accountable and allows resources to reach communities hardest hit by this ongoing opioid crisis that continues to affect all corners of America," stated Raoul. "I am proud of the bipartisan work attorneys general continue to do to hold the companies accountable for fueling the opioid epidemic, and I am committed to ensuring that funding is distributed equitably throughout the state to help fund services needed to mitigate the opioid addiction crisis."

Beyond financial compensation, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief requiring its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activities related to opioid prescriptions.

The agreement applies only in states where Kroger operates under its own name or other subsidiaries. In Illinois, Kroger operates as both Kroger and Mariano's.

This settlement is part of Attorney General Raoul's ongoing efforts against the opioid epidemic and holding companies accountable for practices that increased opioid prescriptions at public health expense. National investigations and litigation against the pharmaceutical industry have resulted in over $50 billion in settlements so far, with Illinois receiving more than $1.3 billion.

Raoul encourages individuals who believe they or their loved ones may be addicted to opioids to seek assistance by calling the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP, available 24/7.

Settlement negotiations were led by Attorney General Raoul alongside attorneys general from California, Colorado, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia.

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