Kroger to pay customers in $17 million unfair pricing settlement — how to submit a claim

If you have shopped at Kroger in recent years, you could be eligible to receive money from a new settlement.

The grocery chain is distributing $17 million in settlement payments to consumers who file a valid claim form, so anyone who qualifies will need to act before the deadline.

The Cincinnati-based company is facing legal claims that it charged shoppers unfair prices for prescription medications.

According to the lawsuit, Kroger allegedly overstated its “usual and customary” drug prices when billing insurance companies.

The complaint says that approach led insurers to reimburse the company at higher amounts, which in turn made insured customers pay more for their prescriptions.

It also alleges that Kroger overcharged insured shoppers for certain generic medications by not accounting for lower prices offered through its “Kroger Savings Club.”

Kroger has not admitted any wrongdoing, but it agreed to contribute $17 million to a class action settlement fund to resolve the dispute.

To be included, customers must have paid, in whole or in part, for one or more prescription drugs from Kroger or an affiliated pharmacy using insurance during the class period.

Payment amounts will depend on how much a shopper paid for medication and how many claims are submitted.

Consumers must submit a valid claim form by the deadline to receive a cash payment.

Payments may be issued by check, direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

Customers with estimated out-of-pocket costs of $8,000 or more must provide proof of payment to qualify for compensation.

Acceptable records include itemized receipts, canceled checks, invoices, statements, or insurance documents.

Other business or transaction records showing what a class member paid for prescription drugs may also be used.

The settlement still needs final court approval before payments can begin going out to eligible class members.