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DECEMBER 19, 2000

Despite an order directing them to stop the practice, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is still dispensing free prescription drugs to non-Indian employees.

The tribe buys the drugs at a discounted rate from the government. Although the program is meant primarily for tribal members and other Native Americans, the tribe has dispensed most of its purchases to non-Indians.

The Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Inspector General conducted an audit of the tribe's pharmaceutical program after receiving complaints from drug companies. Only when there is no "reasonable alternative" are tribes permitted to sell, give, or otherwise transfer the drugs to non-Indians. The Pequot Tribe continues to defend their policy.

Get the Story:
Mashantuckets Still Giving Discounted Drugs To Non-Indians (The New London Day 12/19)

Read the Report:
Audit of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation's Use of Federal Discount Drug Programs (Dept. of Health and Human Services. A-01-99-01502. August 2000)

Related Stories:
Mashantuckets Still Giving Discounted Drugs To Non-Indians (The Medicine Wheel 12/12)
Audit finds abuse of drug program (The Medicine Wheel 10/11)