Legislators Discuss What To Do With $16m From Pfizer Settlement

Tennessee lawmakers are discussing what to do with a multi-million dollar settlement the state is receiving from the Pfizer company.

That’s after allegations the pharmaceutical company marketed its drugs for purposes not approved by the FDA, and gave doctors kickbacks like vacations and gifts for heavily prescribing its drugs.

The state is receiving some $16 million as part of a billion-dollar settlement between Pfizer, states and the federal government.

Some have suggested the extra money be used to expand TennCare benefits, possibly helping pay for products to help people stop smoking. But Tenncare Financial Officer Scott Pierce worries that means creating a recurring cost.

“The red flag that I see is this is one-time money, and if you start a program you’re just setting it up to cut it a year from now.”

Pierce also says it’s not clear when the state will actually receive the money from the settlement.