$5.4 million drug settlement opens claims for eligible payers in 29 states
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Veronica E.
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If you’ve helped cover the cost of prescription medications in recent years—whether through insurance, benefits, or other means—you may want to take a closer look at a recent legal settlement involving a commonly prescribed drug.
A $5.4 million payout is now available, and if you meet certain criteria, you could be entitled to a share.
The deadline to file a claim is coming up, so now’s the time to check if you qualify.
What’s behind the payout?
The settlement comes from a legal case involving AstraZeneca and Handa Pharmaceuticals.
The two companies were accused of violating state antitrust laws by delaying the release of generic versions of Seroquel XR, a medication prescribed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
While the companies deny wrongdoing, they agreed to a $5.4 million settlement.
The claim? That their actions forced third-party payers—like insurance companies and benefit plans—to continue paying inflated prices for the brand-name drug instead of lower-cost generics.

Who’s eligible to file a claim?
This settlement is limited to third-party payers such as:
If your organization paid for Seroquel XR (or its generic equivalent, quetiapine fumarate ER) in 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg tablet strengths between September 5, 2015, and December 9, 2024, and is based in one of the eligible states, you may be entitled to compensation.
Also read: Don’t miss out: You could get up to $1,000 from this $14 million robocall settlement—here’s how to claim it
The eligible locations include:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Payments will be calculated based on how much each claimant paid for the drug and how many valid claims are submitted.

How to file a claim
To receive payment, you’ll need to submit documentation that proves you/ your organization paid for or reimbursed the cost of Seroquel XR or its generic equivalent during the settlement window.
This might include invoices, payment records, or pharmacy receipts.
Claims must be submitted by June 9, 2025, through the official settlement website, which provides detailed instructions and required forms.
Keep in mind that all documentation must be accurate and truthful—false claims are subject to legal penalties.
Also read: Get your slice of a $3.6 million settlement—no receipts required
Why it matters
This settlement isn’t just about the money.
It’s a reminder that fair competition laws exist to protect both consumers and third-party payers from unfair pricing tactics.
When companies delay generic drugs from reaching the market, the result can be higher costs for everyone.
Filing a claim isn’t just about recovering funds—it also signals that practices like this don’t go unnoticed.
If your organization may qualify, now’s the time to act.
Check your payment history, gather the required documents, and visit the official settlement site to submit your claim.
Read next: A new blood pressure breakthrough? What this promising medication could mean for you
Have you ever dealt with high prescription costs or had trouble accessing affordable medications? We’d love to hear your experiences—drop a comment and help keep the conversation going!
A $5.4 million payout is now available, and if you meet certain criteria, you could be entitled to a share.
The deadline to file a claim is coming up, so now’s the time to check if you qualify.
What’s behind the payout?
The settlement comes from a legal case involving AstraZeneca and Handa Pharmaceuticals.
The two companies were accused of violating state antitrust laws by delaying the release of generic versions of Seroquel XR, a medication prescribed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
While the companies deny wrongdoing, they agreed to a $5.4 million settlement.
The claim? That their actions forced third-party payers—like insurance companies and benefit plans—to continue paying inflated prices for the brand-name drug instead of lower-cost generics.

A recent $5.4 million settlement may offer reimbursement for eligible medication costs in select states. Image Source: Pexels / Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
Who’s eligible to file a claim?
This settlement is limited to third-party payers such as:
- Insurance companies
- Union or employer-sponsored health plans
- Employee welfare benefit plans
- Other organizations that covered or reimbursed prescription costs
If your organization paid for Seroquel XR (or its generic equivalent, quetiapine fumarate ER) in 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg tablet strengths between September 5, 2015, and December 9, 2024, and is based in one of the eligible states, you may be entitled to compensation.
Also read: Don’t miss out: You could get up to $1,000 from this $14 million robocall settlement—here’s how to claim it
The eligible locations include:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Payments will be calculated based on how much each claimant paid for the drug and how many valid claims are submitted.

The settlement centers around costs tied to Seroquel XR, a medication commonly prescribed for mental health conditions. Image Source: Pexels / Pavel Danilyuk.
How to file a claim
To receive payment, you’ll need to submit documentation that proves you/ your organization paid for or reimbursed the cost of Seroquel XR or its generic equivalent during the settlement window.
This might include invoices, payment records, or pharmacy receipts.
Claims must be submitted by June 9, 2025, through the official settlement website, which provides detailed instructions and required forms.
Keep in mind that all documentation must be accurate and truthful—false claims are subject to legal penalties.
Also read: Get your slice of a $3.6 million settlement—no receipts required
Why it matters
This settlement isn’t just about the money.
It’s a reminder that fair competition laws exist to protect both consumers and third-party payers from unfair pricing tactics.
When companies delay generic drugs from reaching the market, the result can be higher costs for everyone.
Filing a claim isn’t just about recovering funds—it also signals that practices like this don’t go unnoticed.
If your organization may qualify, now’s the time to act.
Check your payment history, gather the required documents, and visit the official settlement site to submit your claim.
Read next: A new blood pressure breakthrough? What this promising medication could mean for you
Key Takeaways
- AstraZeneca and Handa Pharmaceuticals have agreed to a $5.4 million settlement to resolve claims they unlawfully delayed the release of cheaper generic versions of Seroquel XR, with affected third-party payers in 29 US states and the District of Columbia eligible to claim.
- Entities such as insurance companies and employee welfare plans that covered the cost of Seroquel XR or its generic equivalent between September 5, 2015, and December 9, 2024, can apply for a share of the settlement.
- The exact payment amount each claimant will receive depends on the number of claims submitted and how much each entity paid for the medication during the specified period.
- Claims must be submitted by June 9, 2025, with proof of purchase or reimbursement, and more information can be found on the settlement’s official website.
Have you ever dealt with high prescription costs or had trouble accessing affordable medications? We’d love to hear your experiences—drop a comment and help keep the conversation going!