In the class-action lawsuit, Russo, et al. v. Walgreen Co., Walgreens is expected to shell out $100 million for consumer claims on the company’s “fraudulent and deceptive price scheme” for prescription drugs at their pharmacies.
The lawsuit specifically focuses on insured consumers who used their benefits for prescriptions, alleging that Walgreens failed to include Prescription Savings Club prices when determining its usual and customary prices for prescription reimbursements. This discrepancy reportedly resulted in insured consumers and third-party payors being overcharged. However, Walgreens denies any of these wrongdoings.
The court has yet to deem who is right in the lawsuit, but preliminarily approved the $100 million settlement as described in the notice.
This means that if you filled a Walgreens prescription with the use of insurance benefits anytime from January 1st, 2007 through November 18th, 2024, there’s a chance you’re owed a piece of the $100 million pie.
Eligible individual claimants can receive a maximum payout of $5,000.
Certain individuals excluded from the Settlement Class:
- Walgreens and its employees
- Court members and their families
- Pharmacy benefit managers
- Cash-paying customers
- Most government entities
- Those who have sued Walgreens over similar issues
Consumers can file a claim (additional documentation may be required, either proving you’re a member of the Settlement Class or data showing your eligible purchases) by mail or online. Claims must be filed or postmarked no later than April 17th, 2025 to be eligible for a payout. When filing, consumers will be asked to estimate whether they paid $1-$500, $501-$1000, $1001-$5,000, $5,001-$9,999, or $10,000 or more for eligible prescription drugs from Walgreens.
A Fairness Hearing will occur on September 10, 2025 to determine whether the settlement gets official approval. The hearing will also discuss the allocation plans for the Net Settlement Fund among claimants, Class Counsel’s request for attorneys’ fees and payment of litigation expenses out of the Settlement Fund, and the plaintiffs’ request for payment of services awards, as stated in the notice.
If you have more questions you can explore the settlement’s official website or reach out to the Settlement Administrator.