Letters to the Editor

Re: Pharmacy Benefit Managers

I’m glad that California lawmakers understand the overwhelmingly negative impact greedy pharmacy benefit managers have on patients’ ability to access life-saving prescription treatments. Governor Newsom’s signature on Senate Bill 966 will be a victory for patients in our state; however, there is still more work to be done to hold these middlemen accountable. 

PBMs serve as the intermediaries between large chain pharmacies, insurers, and drug manufacturers, but their complete control over the prescription drug marketplace has opened the door for a whole host of practices that leave patients with the short end of the stick. Chief among these shady policies is their constant abuse of rebates, which are intended to help lower patients’ out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy. Unfortunately, PBM companies have found loopholes to retain large shares of the savings, padding their profits while patients pay more for the care they need. 

I hope that following Governor Newsom’s signature on Senate Bill 966, lawmakers in Washington will keep up the momentum by introducing and passing legislation that ensures PBMs share the savings patients deserve. We have waited far too long for these bipartisan, common-sense reforms to be made on the national level. Senator Padilla and Rep. Barragan should lead the way. 

Adan Hernandez

San Pedro

We are very aware of your incredible influence and willingness to step forward in both the good and bad times as it relates to our dockworkers and portside news.  I am not sure how much information you have received on the ongoing health and wellness benefits manipulation and mass denials of doctors visits, especially as it relates to the chiropractic and acupuncture industry, but two years of 95% denials on claims has been standard since the signing of the last contract in 2022… which all comes after we as the members were told specifically that we had agreed on the “maintenance of benefits” at the start of the 2022 contract negotiations with PMA only to have our benefits dismantled. Many of us have accrued incredible debts due to unpaid claims that were always paid prior to the 2022 contract signing, which implies that the members were lied to. 2 years later, the providers are broke and feel they have been left with no other options but to apply pressure on its patients/members.

Paul Grotti, ILWU member 

Hall of Administration 

It came to our attention only yesterday, Sunday, October 6, that the future of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration (HOA) is in jeopardy. Apparently there is allegedly some potential real estate “deal” that could cost the LAC taxpayers $56 million and the historic esteemed HOA with all Supervisors and staff possibly moved from the venerable building. This is a heinous notion and totally disrespects the history of the building, the dauntless efforts of staff over the decades, the public access to the beautifully designed (Paul A. Williams, architect) building that is deeply entrenched in Los Angeles history and culture; and location with regard to City Hall and all of the surrounding public buildings is inherent .

The Item 35 description from the agenda is deceptive and the opposite of the buzzword of the day “transparent”. Who has fostered and promoted this idea, some real estate agent who will earn a very large commission? Why have the people not been informed?

This is an act of heresy and should absolutely not be approved. There needs to be a thorough vetting and reveal of what is intended and a “cease and desist” for any action until then.

Cordially.

Stephanie Mardesich

Deborah Mardesich, San Pedro