Kentucky is set to receive $110 million as part of a settlement in which the state accused a major grocery chain of contributing to the opioid crisis, according to the state’s attorney general. The money will be used to address the devastating impact of addiction on communities in Kentucky, which has seen some of the highest overdose death rates in the nation.
Attorney General Russell Coleman stated that The Kroger Co., a prominent grocery chain, allowed addiction to spread across the state by distributing large quantities of opioids. Following the settlement, the company has committed to being part of the solution by supporting prevention and recovery efforts.
The lawsuit filed by Coleman’s office alleged that Kroger’s pharmacies played a role in fueling the opioid crisis in Kentucky by distributing a significant number of opioid pills without adequate monitoring or safeguards. Kroger denied the accusations and emphasized its commitment to training and supporting its pharmacy staff.
While the opioid crisis has resulted in thousands of deaths each year in the U.S., efforts to combat addiction have shown some progress in Kentucky, with a decrease in drug overdose deaths in recent years. Despite this progress, the state continues to face challenges in addressing addiction and preventing further loss of life.
Kentucky opted out of a multistate settlement related to the opioid crisis, a decision that has now proven beneficial as the state is receiving a larger sum through its individual lawsuit. The ongoing legal battles against pharmacy benefit managers are seen as a crucial aspect of addressing the complexities of the opioid epidemic in the U.S.
Pharmacy benefit managers oversee prescription drug coverage for health insurers and employers, playing a key role in determining which medications are included in a plan’s formulary. They also influence where patients can obtain their prescriptions. In Kentucky, a bipartisan group of attorneys general, including current Governor Andy Beshear, have actively pursued legal action against manufacturers and distributors of opioid-based medications.
As part of a settlement with Kroger, approximately $18 million will be allocated to cover legal fees and expenses in accordance with state regulations and the terms of the agreement. The remaining funds will be dedicated to addressing the opioid addiction crisis. Half of the settlement money will directly benefit cities and counties in Kentucky, while the remaining portion will be distributed by a state commission to organizations at the forefront of addiction treatment efforts.
Organizations seeking funding must submit their applications by January 17 to be considered for grants from the commission, according to information provided by Coleman’s office. Last year, the commission approved over $12 million in funding for 51 Kentucky-based organizations to support prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. Coleman highlighted the tangible impact of this financial support, emphasizing its positive influence across the state.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a prominent Republican figure, has played a significant role in securing substantial federal funding to aid Kentucky in combating its addiction crisis. His efforts have been instrumental in addressing the state’s pressing challenges related to substance abuse.
This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
