Local Government Sign-on Deadline for National Settlement from Eight Opioid Drug Makers Extended to November 5

LANSING – The deadline for eligible municipalities to participate in the $720 million National Opioid Settlement with eight drug makers has been extended to November 5. The extension will give additional time to local governments in Michigan to sign on to receive direct payments. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging municipalities that have not yet joined the settlement to complete their participation forms by the deadline. Michigan governments stand to receive up to $24.5 million. 

“Opioid settlement dollars have already proven to make a real difference in our fight against the opioid epidemic,” Nessel said. “These funds can have an even greater impact when every eligible local government takes advantage of the national settlement, and I hope they use this extended deadline to sign on.” 

The settlements from Mylan (now part of Viatris), Hikma, Amneal, Apotex, Indivior, Sun, Alvogen, and Zydus, allow 279 local units of government in Michigan – called subdivisions in the settlement agreement – to participate. The Department of Attorney General has a full list of eligible subdivisions on its website. Those subdivisions that need assistance with their participation forms may email the Department for additional instructions before the November 5 deadline. 

Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has focused intently on combatting the opioid epidemic and holding accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis, resulting in more than $1.8 billion to Michigan governments through settlements with McKinsey & Co, Distributors (Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen), Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. The money is distributed to the state and local units of government for opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation. 

Analysis of provisional data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) indicates a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024 – about 1,000 fewer deaths. This continued progress reflects the impact of sustained, strategic investment in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts – many of which are made possible through additional funding received as a result of Michigan’s participation in the national opioid settlements.