Opioid Settlement
The State of Indiana has reached multiple settlements with major pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and related firms as part of the State’s ongoing commitment to accountability in addressing substance use. The settlements will provide Indiana with more than $1 billion over an 18-year period.
The settlements are governed by Ind. Code §4-6-15, which defines the distribution structure, unless a settlement document or court order defines otherwise.
Access a list of approved abatement uses here.
On November 14, 2024, the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder adopted recommendations for spending National Opioid Settlement funds. This resource aims to assist Indiana's local subdivisions in strategically allocating their 35% restricted distribution of opioid settlement funds received under Ind. Code §4-6-15. By utilizing this resource, communities can develop targeted plans of action to effectively address substance use disorder.
Access the recommendations here.
Indiana's Plan
The Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder in partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) - Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) and the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) have collaborated to develop a framework for how the State of Indiana will spend the state's 35% appropriation for abatement from national opioid settlements with opioid distributors, manufacturers, and marketers. Below are Indiana's plans for the 35% appropriated for abatement to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
Plan 2 - Approved by State Budget Committee on August 22, 2024
Plan 1 - Approved by State Budget Committee on December 15, 2022
Reporting
Ind. Code 4-6-15-4 requires the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to submit an annual comprehensive report of the use of all opioid settlement funds, including funds received by the local units of government, to the Indiana General Assembly by October 1. All local units of government that received funds from the National Opioid Settlement are required to report their use of funds to FSSA using an electronic reporting form distributed to all local units of government in August of each year. The information collected is included in a final report to the Indiana General Assembly and is made available to the public.
The 2025 Opioid Settlement Reporting Period is now closed. Any questions regarding reporting should be directed to inopioidsettlement.us@egis-group.com.
View the 2025 report here.
- To see how the State of Indiana reported its use of settlement funds, click here.
View the 2024 report here.
- To see how each local unit of government reported its use of settlement funds, click here.
- To see how the State of Indiana reported its use of settlement funds, click here.
View the 2023 report here.
- To see how each local unit of government reported its use of settlement funds, click here.
Funding Opportunities
All competitive funding opportunities are posted by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much money should my community expect to receive?
The Indiana Office of the Attorney General calculates the amounts local units of governments are to receive from the settlement per the terms and conditions of the settlement and Ind. Code §4-6-15.
To view estimated annual payments for the state, counties, and municipalities, download the Opioid Settlement Distribution Estimates spreadsheet available on the Indiana Attorney General's Opioid Settlement & Litigation website. Please note: This spreadsheet is updated as new settlement agreements are finalized. Be sure to download the most recent version each time you need it.
- How do I know if my community expects to receive funding?
A total of 648 Indiana towns, cities, and counties have opted into the state’s settlement.
To view estimated annual payments for the state, counties, and municipalities, download the Opioid Settlement Distribution Estimates spreadsheet available on the Indiana Attorney General's Opioid Settlement & Litigation website. Please note: This spreadsheet is updated as new settlement agreements are finalized. Be sure to download the most recent version each time you need it.
- How will funds be distributed?
The Indiana Office of the Attorney General calculates the amounts local units of governments are to receive from the settlement per the terms and conditions of the settlement and House Enrolled Act 1193. Click here to view distribution totals for participating subdivisions.
The settlements are governed by Ind. Code §4-6-15, which defines the amounts distributed to state and local accounts created by Ind. Code §4-12-16.2-5.
- Fifteen percent (15%) for unrestricted use by the state for oversight and administration of programs for treatment, education, recovery, and prevention of opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorders or mental health issues.
- Thirty-five percent (35%) restricted for statewide treatment, education, and prevention programs for opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health issues, as defined or required by the settlement documents or court order.
- Fifteen percent (15%) for unrestricted use, distributed to cities, counties, and towns based on a weighted distribution formula reflecting opioid impacts in communities.
- Thirty-five percent (35%) distributed to cities, counties, and towns based on a weighted distribution formula reflecting opioid impacts in communities, restricted for programs of treatment, prevention, and care that are best practices as designed or required by the settlement documents or court order (restricted/abatement)
- If a city or town’s annual distribution is less than $5,000, their annual distribution must instead be distributed to the county in which the city or town is located.
Subdivisions that hired their own attorneys and litigated on their own will also have their attorney fees deducted from their settlement payment, which will decrease the amount they will receive. For purposes of accounting for your settlement payments, please refer to the guidelines distributed in 2022 by the State Board of Accounts (SBOA).
- When should Indiana expect to receive funds?
The State of Indiana, including all 648 local units of government, began receiving settlement funds in December 2022. Please note: There is no standardized payment schedule, as the timing and amounts of distribution vary based on the terms of each individual settlement agreement.
- How are funds being spent?
Ind. Code 4-6-15-4 requires the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to submit an annual comprehensive report of the use of all opioid settlement funds, including funds received by the local units of government, to the Indiana General Assembly by October 1. All local units of government that received funds from the National Opioid Settlement are required to report their use of funds to FSSA using an electronic reporting form distributed to all local units of government in August of each year. The information collected is included in a final report to the Indiana General Assembly and is made available to the public. Any questions regarding reporting should be directed to inopioidsettlement.us@egis-group.com.
View the 2024 report here.
- To see how each local unit of government reported their use of settlement funds, click here.
- To see how the State of Indiana reported its use of settlement funds, click here.
View the 2023 report here.
- To see how each local unit of government reported their use of settlement funds, click here.
- Who is the point of contact?
Questions may be submitted to inopioidsettlement.us@egis-group.com.
- What are the requirements for reporting how funds are spent?
Ind. Code 4-6-15-4 requires the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to submit an annual comprehensive report of the use of all opioid settlement funds, including funds received by the local units of government, to the Indiana General Assembly by October 1. All local units of government that received funds from the National Opioid Settlement are required to report their use of funds to FSSA using an electronic reporting form distributed to all local units of government in August of each year. The information collected is included in a final report to the Indiana General Assembly and is made available to the public.
Any questions regarding reporting should be directed to inopioidsettlement.us@egis-group.com.
- How will Indiana be transparent?
Updates are regularly posted at in.gov/recovery/settlement and https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/home/opioid-settlement/.
- Are there any restrictions on how funds can be used?
Restricted, or abatement, funds must be spent on programs of treatment, prevention, and care that are best practices as designed or required by the settlement documents or court order. Exhibit E is a document attached to most of the national opioid settlement agreements providing a list of allowable uses for spending of restricted settlement funds. Exhibit E is organized in two main sections: Core Strategies and Approved Uses.
The Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder has also adopted a list of items not included as allowable expenses under Exhibit E. This list is available on Page 4 of the State of Indiana's Recommendations for Spending Opioid Settlement Funds.
Unrestricted funds are not bound by the same requirements and can be used at the community's discretion. However, many communities choose to voluntarily align all spending—both restricted and unrestricted—with opioid abatement goals to maximize impact.
- Are there any repercussions if our community does not spend funds immediately?
No, there are currently no penalties or repercussions if your community does not spend opioid settlement funds immediately.
Many localities have chosen to delay spending in order to develop thoughtful, evidence-based strategies or allow funds to accumulate for larger initiatives. It is acceptable for communities to take time to assess local needs, form advisory committees, and plan for impactful use of the funds. However, all recipients are required to report annually on how funds are used, even if no spending has occurred. Communities are encouraged to remain transparent and proactive in planning, even if actual expenditures are delayed.
Additional Resources
- National Opioid Settlement
- Office of the Attorney General - Complex Litigation
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction - Funding Announcements
Contact Us
Questions? Contact us at inopioidsettlement.us@egis-group.com.
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