FRANKFORT, Ky. (ARC/WKYT) — Thousands of lawsuits later, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced Wednesday major opioid manufacturers are expected to pay $26 billion nationwide in a long list of settlements. Kentucky is expected to receive $460 million, reports WKYT’s Shelby Lofton.
Several local leaders from across Kentucky joined in filing the lawsuits during both Cameron and former Attorney General and now Governor Andy Beshear’s tenure in the AG’s office. According to Cameron, the money would be paid out in phases over the next 18 years and would be dedicated to opioid treatment and prevention programs.
The settlements revolve around four large drug manufacturers. AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson will pay up to $21 billion over 18 years, while Johnson and Johnson will pay up to $5 billion over nine years, reports WKYT.
Addiction Recovery Care’s (ARC) Vice President of Administration Matt Brown spoke to WKYT journalist Shelby Lofton about the news Wednesday afternoon.
“We believe some of these resources will be able to be used in a way that will extend the care for people so that they can be in care longer, and not only be in care for their addiction, but also receive the other services that are needed for somebody to either move back into or move into a productive life for the first time,” Brown said.
ARC is currently serving 1,650 patients.
