This year, state and local governments have received $1.5 billion in court settlements from prescription painkiller companies for their role in the opioid crisis. The companies are expected to pay over $50 billion. Opioid settlement funds are being used for addiction treatment and naloxone, but states lack transparency on spending. Settlements require changes in business practices, but have unintended consequences on medication access. Many places haven’t decided how to spend the money yet. The slow pace and lack of transparency have frustrated advocates, as the drug crisis continues to devastate communities. This is according to KFF Health News coverage of the impact of the opioid settlement funds.
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The Year in Opioid Settlements: 5 Things You Need to Know
