Opioid Settlements
State, local, and tribal governments have brought lawsuits against pharmacies, and pharmaceutical and drug distribution companies responsible for aiding the opioid epidemic. The lawsuits allege that these companies fueled the opioid crisis by marketing opioids in misleading ways, downplaying risks, exaggerating benefits, and engaging in reckless distribution practices. They seek to recover costs associated with the opioid overdose epidemic. California has joined several national lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and others responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic.
Resources
Detailed information about how the funds received from these opioid settlements and bankruptcies are to be distributed can be found on the DHCS Opioid Settlements Webpage. Guidance for cities and counties, who are receiving the vast majority of funds, can also be found on the DHCS Opioid Settlements Webpage.
Questions
- Questions about the OSF and oversight of Participating Subdivisions/Local Governments can be directed to DHCS at OSF@dhcs.ca.gov.
- Questions about opioid litigation and participation can be directed to the Office of the Attorney General at OpioidSettlement-LocalGovernment@doj.ca.gov.
- Questions about settlement payments can be directed to the National Settlement Administrator, BrownGreer PLC, at DirectingAdministrator@NationalOpioidOfficialSettlement.com.
- Questions about bankruptcy payments can be directed to the National Opioid Abatement Trust II at info@NationalOpioidAbatementTrust.com.
Learn More
To learn more about the settlements and bankruptcies, visit the California’s Opioid Settlements and Bankruptcies page.
To learn more about how settlement funds may be spent, visit the High Impact Abatement Activities page.
To learn more about monitoring of the California Opioid Settlements and Bankruptcies, please visit the Reporting and Oversight page.