Walmart settles Massachusetts comp prescription pricing case
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Walmart Inc. has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with Massachusetts for allegedly violating the state’s prescription pricing procedures designed to keep workers compensation costs down, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Tuesday.
The retailer did not admit any wrongdoing in connection with the settlement.
The state’s workers compensation system sets limits on the costs of medications prescribed to injured workers and mandates that companies validate prices against specific regulatory benchmarks before processing charges. Walmart pharmacies were accused of failing to follow those regulations when applying prices for injured workers’ prescriptions, dating back to 2016.
“Having a workers compensation system that is transparent, functional and affordable is essential for employers and workers across Massachusetts,” Ms. Healey said in a statement.
As part of the settlement, Walmart agreed to work with Ms. Healey’s office to develop a protocol to prevent similar violations.
Massachusetts has reached similar settlements totaling more than $16 million with Express Scripts Inc., Optum Rx Inc. Walgreens Co., Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC and United Pharmacy Services LLC.
