Walgreens Boots Alliance will pay Massachusetts $5.5 million to resolve allegations it overcharged prescription drugs covered by the state workers' compensation insurance program.
In the complaint, the plaintiffs argued that Walgreens violated Massachusetts consumer protection laws between 2008 and 2017 by overcharging for prescriptions needed following a work-related injury at various pharmacy locations throughout the state.
In the settlement filed in Suffolk Superior Court March 20, Walgreens agreed to pay $5.5 million to resolve the allegations. The settlement also requires Walgreens to implement procedures to prevent future overcharges on opioids and other drugs covered by the state workers' compensation insurance program.
"Our office found that over many years, Walgreens overcharged workers for various legitimate prescriptions," said Attorney General Maura Healey. "This settlement ensures that Walgreens does not profit from those transactions and will help our state's ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic."
In an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review, Walgreens said, "We are pleased to have reached a resolution of this matter, in which we did not admit any wrongdoing. We remain committed to providing quality care to all patients, including those who have been injured on the job and are covered by workers’ compensation insurance."