Latest news with #UnfairTradePracticesandConsumerProtectionLaw
American Press
2 days ago
- Business
- American Press
Jim Beam column:CVS lawsuits won't solve PBM concerns
CVS has been targeted by three lalwsuits filed by the Louisiana attorney general for irs questionable practices.(Photo courtesy of Louisiana legislators and the state's citizens got acquainted near the end of this year's fiscal session with organizations we have heard little about — pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Large employers and health insurance companies pay PBMs to act as middlemen to negotiate drug prices. House Bill 358 by Rep. Dustin Miller, D-Opelousas, was one of three measures filed dealing with PBMs. A conference committee changed the bill and it ended up saying that no permit to operate a pharmacy can be granted or renewed to a pharmacy that is wholly or partially owned or controlled by a pharmacy benefit manager. Miller's bill passed the House 95-0 and the Senate 37-0. However, the House rejected changes made by the Senate and a conference committee was eventually appointed to iron out the differences between the two chambers. The PBM change that was inserted into the bill by the conference committee was accepted by the House but the legislation died in the Senate. Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, later explained that there was no testimony on that complicated change in the bill. Donald Trump Jr., a friend of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, said that bill should pass the Legislature. Landry got so upset when it didn't, he is still threatening to call a special session to pass it. If a Trump says do it, Landry always goes to war in order to get it done. The Advocate reported that Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS, which owns both a PBM and a nationwide chain of drug stores, said the bill would have forced it to close its 119 stores in Louisiana. She said it would affect about 1 million patients across the state and 22,000 patients who receive high-cost specialty drugs that smaller pharmacies find difficult to handle. An anti-PBM bill did pass. Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe, sponsored HB 264 that passed both houses unanimously. The newspaper said it favored independent pharmacies by prohibiting PBMs from steering customers to pharmacies they own and by mandating that discounts negotiated by PBMs go to employers and consumers. Echols' bill has been sent to Gov. Landry, but he hasn't signed it or vetoed it yet. However, we know he's still upset because The Advocate reported that the state has filed three lawsuits against CVS accusing it of 'unethical and deceptive acts' in its use of customer data for political lobbying. All three cases allege that CVS violated Louisiana's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. One lawsuit says the text messages CVS sent to its customers were 'inaccurate, misleading and deceptive.' And that they were intended to incite fear among vulnerable people. The second suit alleges the company has used its size and control of insurers, PBMs and drugstores to squeeze out competition and drive up drug costs. The third lawsuit accuses CVS of abusing its market power to 'inflict economic harm' and impose unfair fees on independent pharmacies 'under threat of being expelled from the CVS network.' The Center Square said CVS Health is pushing back against claims that the company engaged in deceptive, anticompetitive practices. In a statement, CVS called the lawsuits 'without merit' and pledged to defend itself vigorously. CVS said, 'Our communication with CVS customers, patients and members of the community was consistent with the law.' Rather than filing lawsuits, state Sen. Kirk Tallbot, R-River Ridge, had a better solution. When the Senate refused to approve Miller's bill he sponsored Senate Resolution 209. The resolution requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study the impacts of prohibiting pharmacy benefit manager ownership of pharmacies in Louisiana and to submit a report to the Legislature. I found a helpful explanation about PBMs at in a story that said they were created to negotiate better deals for consumers on medicines. However, it said instead PBMs 'have sometimes driven up the cost of prescriptions — while also putting the survival of community pharmacies at risk.' So, it's possible that Landry and legislators should do something to prevent that from happening, However, rushing to judgment with lawsuits seldom solves major problems. More information on PBMs would better serve the legislators who pass this state's laws and the people who are served by the state's drugstores. Henry said Miller's bill wouldn't have taken effect until 2027. Instead of lawsuits, PBMs can be debated during the 2026 legislative session to give legislators the background they need on PBMs. Jim Beam, the retired editor of the American Press, has covered people and politics for more than six decades. Contact him at 337-515-8871 or Reply Forward Add reaction
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Home365 settles with Pennsylvania attorney general over maintenance delays
This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has reached a settlement with Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Home365 LLC, regarding its management platform and alleged delayed responses to maintenance requests, according to a news release from Sunday's office on May 27. Home365 LLC is an ownership entity associated with San Jose, California-based multifamily property manager and investment broker Home365. The company uses a proprietary artificial intelligence-based platform to automate property and investment management, including maintenance requests and assignments, according to the company website. The attorney general said that consumers have complained that Home365's platform was responsible for delays responding to maintenance requests and for leasing properties that had not been inspected and were unsafe, according to the release. It alleged that the company violated the state's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law by failing to provide safe habitation to customers, according to the settlement, filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on May 22. These include utility services, such as heat and water, and timely repairs. It also claims that the company failed to return tenants' security deposits in violation of Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act, according to the settlement. 'As artificial intelligence finds its way into many aspects of modern society, it is imperative that those choosing to use this new technology ensure it is working effectively,' Sunday said in the release. 'This company left many tenants waiting for fixes to water and sewage leaks and structural flaws, and failed to return security deposits to others.' Under the terms of the settlement, signed by Home365 CEO Daniel Shaked, the company must pay $45,000 to the attorney general's office, including $30,000 in restitution to its renters and $15,000 in additional costs, set aside for public protection and educational purposes, according to the settlement. These refund checks will range from $375 to $10,450, according to the attorney general. In addition to this fee, Home365 must also: Fully comply with the Consumer Protection Law and Landlord Tenant Act. Inspect properties it plans to lease before making them available to customers and ensure they are approved for occupancy by local authorities. Maintain its properties in a safe and habitable condition. Provide and staff an email and telephone number for maintenance requests. Respond to emergency requests within 24 hours. Return security deposits in accordance with the law. Home365 is currently active in 18 cities across nine states, including nine Pennsylvania metropolitan areas, according to the company website. Approximately 6,000 of its properties are in Pennsylvania, following the company's acquisition of Lancaster-based SlateHouse Property Management and Realty in 2021, according to court documents. The company did not respond to a request for comment from Multifamily Dive. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Property management company settles with Pennsylvania AG over AI-related maintenance delays
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A property management company accused of using artificial intelligence in a way that left Pennsylvania tenants without timely repairs or returned security deposits has reached a $45,000 settlement with the state. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday that Home365, LLC, based in Las Vegas, agreed to resolve claims that it failed to maintain safe housing and return security deposits, allegedly violating Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The company, which used an AI-based platform to assist with operations, reportedly contributed to delays in addressing issues like water leaks, sewage problems, and structural defects. Some tenants also complained of not receiving required utilities like heat and water. The agreement, filed in Allegheny County Court, includes $30,000 in consumer restitution and $15,000 in costs to the Office of Attorney General. Tenants who already filed complaints could receive payments ranging from $375 to $10,450. Additional impacted tenants have 90 days to file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection to be considered for restitution. The settlement also requires changes to Home365's business practices to prevent future violations. The settlement, in the form of an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, is pending court approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
07-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
AG Dave Sunday announces settlement with debt settlement businesses that were allegedly illegally operated
Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced a settlement with Accelerated Debt Settlement, Inc. and its affiliates after the businesses claimed they could shrink or settle consumer debts while demanding illegal, upfront payments. Accelerated Debt Settlement has agreed to pay $550,000, with $500,000 going to affected consumers. Accelerated Debt Settlement and its affiliates are also prohibited from advertising and selling services in Pennsylvania until proper licenses are obtained, per a press release from the attorney general's office. "Everyone is looking for avenues to minimize or erase debt, and these companies preyed on consumers looking for a lifeline," Attorney General Sunday said. "This settlement puts a stop to Accelerated Debt Settlement operating in Pennsylvania without a license and brings much-needed monetary relief to consumers." Refund checks will be distributed by the Office of Attorney General, ranging from $2,850 to $19,998. The businesses allegedly failed to provide their services as advertised and accepted unlawful advance payments ranging from $1,200 to $17,500, the press release added. The settlement alleges that the businesses engaged in a "pattern of misconduct" that violated Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Debt Settlement Services Act, and the Federal Telemarketing Sales Rule. Consumers who may have been impacted by Accelerated Debt Settlement, Inc., have 90 days to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General to be eligible for a refund. Consumers may file a complaint online , by phone at 1-800-441-2555, or by email at this address .
