What You Need to Know About the Opioid Settlement Funds

By Aneri Pattani and Hannah Norman and Oona Zenda June 21, 2023

The money, which comes from companies like Purdue Pharma, McKesson, CVS, and others that made, distributed, and sold opioid painkillers, is meant as restitution for their roles in fueling the epidemic. KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani breaks down the money’s path – from when it lands to how it’s spent.

A close-up image of a metal statue of a person leaning their head on their hand. Slightly out of focus behind the figure is the word "Hope" in copper -- another part of the statue.

Payback: Tracking the Opioid Settlement Cash

Opioid manufacturers and distributors are paying more than billion in restitution to settle lawsuits about their role in the overdose epidemic, with little oversight on how the money is spent. We’re tracking how state and local governments use — or misuse — the cash.

Credits

Aneri Pattani

Reporter and narration

Hannah Norman

Producer and animator

Oona Tempest

Illustrator and creative director

Aneri Pattani: apattani@kff.org, @aneripattani

Hannah Norman: hannahn@kff.org, @hnorms

Oona Zenda: oonat@kff.org, @oonatempest

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What You Need to Know About the Opioid Settlement Funds

By Aneri Pattani and Hannah Norman and Oona Zenda June 21, 2023

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Payback: Tracking the Opioid Settlement Cash

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