Walgreens customers who believe they were overcharged for generic medications have limited time to file claims in a $100 million class action settlement. The deadline for most class members is April 17, 2025. However, for those who requested details about their drug purchases on or before April 12, 2024, the filing window extends until June 16, 2025.
What Led to the Lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit alleges that Walgreens charged higher prices for generic drugs to insured customers compared to members of its Prescription Savings Club (PSC), which offered discounts on medications. According to the complaint, Walgreens sold drugs at a lower price to customers who paid an annual fee for the club, potentially overcharging insured customers for the same medications.
Despite the settlement, Walgreens continues to maintain that it is not at fault. A representative from the company stated:
“We admit no liability and believe the claims lacked merit. The Prescription Savings Club was introduced over 15 years ago to offer affordable medication options for the uninsured and underinsured. This resolution allows us to refocus on our core business strategy to benefit all stakeholders.”
The PSC, which ended on August 31, 2024, offered discounts on various medications for a flat annual fee.
How to File a Claim
If you are eligible to participate in the settlement, filing a claim is straightforward. Start by visiting the official settlement website at savingsclubsettlement.com. You will find a link to the claim form, which can be submitted online or mailed to the administrator.
For most class members, the claim form must be submitted by April 17, 2025, while those who requested drug purchase information by April 12, 2024, have until June 16, 2025 to file.
To qualify for the settlement, you must have purchased prescription drugs using insurance benefits in the U.S. or its territories between January 1, 2007, and November 18, 2024. Note that Walgreens employees and their immediate families are excluded from this settlement.
Potential Settlement Payouts
The exact amount individual class members will receive is uncertain at this time. The settlement amount of $100 million will be distributed based on the number of eligible claimants, as well as the court’s approval of the distribution plan. A court hearing to discuss and approve the settlement’s distribution is set for September 10, 2025.
What Does This Settlement Mean?
This case highlights the ongoing debate about the fairness of pricing for prescription medications. While the settlement does not imply that Walgreens is admitting any wrongdoing, it raises important questions about the disparity in costs for insured versus uninsured customers. The Prescription Savings Club, which was intended to help the uninsured, is now under scrutiny for potentially creating a pricing imbalance.
As the settlement process moves forward, it could set a precedent for how pharmacies structure their pricing models and how they handle issues of medication access for different groups of people.
FAQs
Q: Who can file a claim for the Walgreens settlement?
A: If you used prescription insurance to purchase generic medications at Walgreens in the U.S. or its territories between January 1, 2007, and November 18, 2024, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Q: How do I file a claim?
A: Visit the settlement website at savingsclubsettlement.com, where you can submit your claim form online or mail it in before the deadline.
Q: When is the deadline to file a claim?
A: The deadline for most claimants is April 17, 2025. However, customers who requested details about their purchases by April 12, 2024, have until June 16, 2025.
Q: Will I receive a specific amount from the settlement?
A: The exact payout is unclear and will depend on the number of claimants and the court’s approval of the distribution plan.
Q: Can Walgreens employees file a claim?
A: No, Walgreens employees and their immediate families are excluded from the settlement.
Q: What happens after I file a claim?
A: After you submit your claim, the court will review the settlement details and determine how to distribute the $100 million fund. A hearing is set for September 10, 2025 to finalize the plan.
Looking Ahead
The Walgreens settlement could have lasting effects on the way pharmacy companies operate their savings programs. As more shoppers file claims and the distribution plan is finalized, it remains to be seen how this case will impact future cases of drug pricing fairness in the industry. Be sure to file your claim before the deadline to ensure you don’t miss out on a potential payout .
