Gov Newsom Wanted California to Cut Ties With Walgreens Then Federal Law Got in the Way

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom declared last month that California was “done” doing business with Walgreens after the pharmacy chain said it would not distribute an abortion pill in 21 states where Republicans threatened legal action. Since then, KHN has learned that the Democratic governor must compromise on his hard-line tweet. California is legally bound to continue doing business with Walgreens through the state’s massive Medicaid program, health law experts said. And according to a public records request, the state paid Walgreens $1.5 billion last year. Newsom’s administration confirmed it will “continue to comply” with federal law by paying…