Kroger to pay $17 million in pharmacy pricing settlement

Kroger has agreed to a $17 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit regarding prescription medication pricing. The dispute alleged that between December 9, 2018, and August 23, 2026, the company failed to include lower prices from its Kroger Savings Club when calculating the prices reported to insurers.

Plaintiffs argued that by reporting higher standard prices instead of the discounted Savings Club rates, Kroger caused insured customers to pay higher copays and out-of-pocket expenses. The lawsuit included allegations of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.

Kroger has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that Savings Club prices were not its usual and customary rates because they required a paid annual membership. The company stated it agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs.

Eligible claimants include anyone who used insurance to purchase prescriptions at a Kroger-owned pharmacy, including Mariano’s locations, during the specified period. The deadline to submit a claim is December 21, 2026, with a final hearing scheduled for January 11, 2027.