The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 11, 2025
Today: March 11, 2025

Walgreens to pay $106M to settle allegations it submitted false payment claims for prescriptions

Walgreens Lawsuits Settled
September 13, 2024
AP - AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Walgreens has agreed to pay $106 million to settle lawsuits that alleged the pharmacy chain submitted false payment claims with government health care programs for prescriptions that were never dispensed.

The settlement announced on Friday resolves lawsuits filed in New Mexico, Texas and Florida on behalf of three people who had worked in Walgreens’ pharmacy operation. The lawsuits were filed under a whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act that lets private parties file case on behalf of the United States government and share in the recovery of money, the U.S. Justice Department said. The pharmacy chain was accused of submitting false payment claims to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs between 2009 and 2020 for prescriptions that were processed but never picked up.

Settlement documents say Walgreens cooperated in the investigation and has improved its electronic management system to prevent such problems from occurring again.

In a statement, Walgreens said that because of a software error, the chain inadvertently billed some government programs for a relatively small number of prescriptions that patients submitted but never picked up.

“We corrected the error, reported the issue to the government and voluntarily refunded all overpayments,” the statement by Walgreens said.

In reaching the settlement, the chain didn’t acknowledge legal liability in the cases. ____ This story has been corrected to say the lawsuits were filed by private parties, not by the U.S. Justice Department.

Related Articles

Private Medicare plans must cover Biogen's ALS drug, US agency says Walgreens stock surges on report that it could be taken private UnitedHealth forecasts 2025 profit largely in line with estimates Cheap Ozempic? How millions of Americans with obesity may get access to costly weight-loss drugs
Share This

Popular

Business|Economy|Travel|US

Southwest is getting rid of its most recognizable perk

Southwest is getting rid of its most recognizable perk
Business|Europe|Sports

Manchester United reveals plans for the "world's greatest" soccer stadium to replace Old Trafford

Manchester United reveals plans for the "world's greatest" soccer stadium to replace Old Trafford
Business|Economy|Political|Stock Markets|Technology|US

Trump says he’ll buy a Tesla to support Elon Musk, whose companies are struggling

Trump says he’ll buy a Tesla to support Elon Musk, whose companies are struggling
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

US airline stocks tumble as Delta's forecast cut spooks investors

US airline stocks tumble as Delta's forecast cut spooks investors

Health

Africa|Health|Political|World

Kenya HIV patients live in fear as US aid freeze strand drugs in warehouse

Kenya HIV patients live in fear as US aid freeze strand drugs in warehouse
Europe|Health|World

In his own words: Pope Francis has long been up front about his health problems and eventual death

In his own words: Pope Francis has long been up front about his health problems and eventual death
Africa|Asia|Environment|Health|World

Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows

Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows
Asia|Environment|Health|World

Majority of the world's population breathes dirty air, report says

Majority of the world's population breathes dirty air, report says