(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) Ahold Delhaize USA Inc., headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, agreed to pay $40 million yesterday to resolve allegations that it overcharged federal healthcare programs by reporting inflated prescription drug prices, according to federal officials. 

The settlement resolves claims that pharmacies operated by Ahold Delhaize supermarket chains, including Giant, Hannaford, Stop & Shop and Food Lion, failed to report discounted prescription prices offered through customer savings programs as their “usual and customary” prices. Federal officials alleged that the practice caused Medicare Part D, Medicaid and TRICARE to pay more than they should have for certain prescription drug claims. 

According to the United States, reported “usual and customary” prices serve as a ceiling on payments to pharmacies under federal healthcare programs. Officials contended that Ahold Delhaize pharmacies reported higher prices instead of the discounted rates available to many customers through savings programs. 

Under the settlement, the federal government will receive approximately $32.9 million, while the remaining funds will be distributed among participating states. The agreement resolves the allegations without a determination of liability.