Leadership vacuum: Agencies in New York and beyond pass the buck on opioid cash oversight

Advocates are demanding accountability for how local officials spend tens of billions in opioid settlement cash. But whose job is that?

By: Aneri Pattani / KFF Health News

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: July 20, 2026

Words: 1,817

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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Companies accused of recklessly marketing and distributing prescription opioid painkillers are paying roughly $58 billion to settle lawsuits over their role in fueling the addiction crisis. It’s a pot of gold eyed by addiction treatment providers, companies creating the latest opioid-related products, and government officials struggling to balance budgets.

Nearly half of that money is going to local governments, to be distributed by county commissioners and city councilors. The idea is …

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