UPDATED: CVS Agrees to Pay $315M for Illegally Filling Unlawful…
CVS Pharmacy Inc. and its related corporate entities agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations that the chain illegally filled prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. The Justice Department alleges that from October 17, 2013, through December 2, 2025, CVS dispensed medically unnecessary prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The settlement also addresses claims that the company billed Medicare and other federal programs for these unlawful prescriptions. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson announced the agreement to resolve a lawsuit originally brought in 2024.
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- ✓ CVS Pharmacy Inc. and related entities agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations of illegally filling opioid and controlled substance prescriptions.
- ✓ The alleged illegal activity occurred between October 17, 2013, and December 2, 2025.
- ✓ The Justice Department claims CVS violated the Controlled Substances Act by filling medically unnecessary prescriptions.
- ✓ CVS is accused of submitting false claims to Medicare and other federal programs for payment of these prescriptions.
What changed
CVS reached a $315 million settlement with the Justice Department to resolve claims of unlawful opioid dispensing.
Live updates
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CVS to Pay $315 Million to Settle DOJ Opioid Prescription Case
CVS Pharmacy Inc. and its related corporate entities agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations that the chain illegally filled prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. The Justice Department alleges that from October 17, 2013, through December 2, 2025, CVS dispensed medically unnecessary prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The settlement also addresses claims that the company billed Medicare and other federal programs for these unlawful prescriptions. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson announced the agreement to resolve a lawsuit originally brought in 2024.
Why it matters
The settlement highlights federal efforts to curb the opioid crisis by targeting pharmacy chains that bypass safety protocols. It specifically addresses the submission of false claims to the federal government for reimbursement of illegal prescriptions. The case brings scrutiny to the internal corporate governance of the Rhode Island-based company.
What is confirmed
- CVS Pharmacy Inc. and related entities agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations of illegally filling opioid and controlled substance prescriptions.
- The alleged illegal activity occurred between October 17, 2013, and December 2, 2025.
- The Justice Department claims CVS violated the Controlled Substances Act by filling medically unnecessary prescriptions.
- CVS is accused of submitting false claims to Medicare and other federal programs for payment of these prescriptions.
- The settlement resolves a lawsuit that was filed in 2024.
Still unconfirmed
- Most of the violations took place under the leadership of Foulkes.
- The settlement has led Guckian and Block to criticize Foulkes.
What to watch next
- Court approval of the settlement terms
- Details on how the $315 million payment will be distributed
- Further DOJ actions against other pharmacy chains regarding Controlled Substances Act violations
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.justice.gov — United States Department of Justice
- WSJ — CVS Health Unit to Pay $315 Million to Resolve Illegal Opioid Prescription Claims
- Go Local Prov — CVS Agrees to Pay $315M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions - Most Violations Took Place Under Foulkes
- Fox Business — CVS Pharmacy reaches $315M settlement with Justice Department over controlled substance prescriptions
- Fierce Healthcare — CVS, DOJ reach $315M settlement in opioid prescription case
- www.foxbusiness.com — CVS Pharmacy reaches $315M settlement with Justice Department over controlled substance prescriptions - F....
- WJAR — CVS opioid settlement leads Guckian, Block to criticize Foulkes
- The Providence Journal — CVS opioid settlement puts Foulkes' role for company back in spotlight
- www.justice.gov — Office of Public Affairs | CVS Agrees to Pay $315M for ...
- www.goldrushcam.com — CVS Agrees to Pay $315M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government ....
- www.staradvertiser.com — CVS settles DOJ case over opioid prescriptions for $315M | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- www.justice.gov — CVS Agrees to Pay $315M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid ...
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