Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, in collaboration with a bipartisan coalition of thirty state attorneys general, announced the finalization of a $1.37 billion settlement with Kroger. This settlement addresses Kroger’s involvement in the opioid crisis. Under the agreement, Tennessee is set to receive up to $42.9 million for opioid abatement, with payments expected to start early next year.
Attorney General Skrmetti emphasized the importance of this settlement in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. He stated that holding responsible parties accountable would help provide funds necessary for addressing the damages caused by opioid abuse within Tennessee’s communities and families.
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This settlement is part of a broader initiative by the Attorney General’s Office to hold accountable those implicated in the opioid crisis. To date, Tennessee has secured over $1 billion in settlements related to the epidemic, with a significant portion of these funds allocated to the state’s Opioid Abatement Fund.
Moreover, Kroger has agreed to implement injunctive relief measures which include monitoring, reporting, and sharing data on suspicious opioid prescription activities through its pharmacies.
Kroger has 116 grocery stores operating across Tennessee. More details about the settlement can be found here.
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Obion Resident Sentenced for TennCare Fraud
James Fagan, a resident of Obion, Tennessee, was convicted of TennCare fraud for selling prescription medications obtained through his TennCare benefits. He received a sentence of three years of probation and was ordered to repay $215.08 to TennCare. The case was prosecuted by Obion County District Attorney General Colin Johnson, with support from Assistant District Attorney Jerald Campbell. The Office of Inspector General continues to work with partners to combat prescription drug fraud and encourages the public to report suspected TennCare fraud.