Image by Natalya SambulovaOPINION – Patients in California continue to struggle with balancing high health care costs with other daily essentials. Yet, little-known health industry middlemen called pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are making it harder for patients to get the care they need by raising costs at the pharmacy counter and threatening the viability of local pharmacies.
Image by GladkikhOPINION – The California Assembly is currently contemplating legislation that will increase health care costs for taxpayers, small business owners, and unions, while giving a multi-billion dollar handout to Big Pharma.
Image by Afry HarvyOPINION – Powerful companies like Wells Fargo, Koch Industries, Walmart, and Big Pharma are trying to change one of the few laws on the books that give everyday people a shot at justice: the Private Attorneys General Act. If they succeed, they’ll open the door for millions of California workers to have their wages stolen. Legislators should say “NO” to watering down the law.
511327024OPINION:Some California hospitals and pharmacies are exploiting a federal assistance program that was created to help vulnerable communities access low-cost treatments. Instead, these healthcare systems and chain pharmacies continue charging some underserved patients high costs for their medicines while pocketing the discounts to boost their own bottom lines.
A political rally during the spring in Santa Monica. (Photo: Joseph Sohm)It’s all over and, with a few exceptions, it will stay that way for two more years. But like any other public event, ranging from bridge tournaments to the Super Bowl, there were winners and losers. Here’s our take on who came out winners and who lost in the 2016 general election.