Big Freakin' Deal

(Cartoon by Joel Pett and featured at McClatchy DC 1/15/14.)

The headlines in all of the major news outlets all noted that CVS Pharmacies, one of the most ubiquitous drug store chains in the land, had announced that all of its stores would cease selling tobacco products by the Fall of this year.  This move will allegedly result in the loss of several billions of dollars to the corporation.  The reason given for this move is that the sale of killer tobacco was inconsistent with CVS's role in providing the means to good health.

Yeah, right.

At least one journalist, Frank Giradot, saw the move for what it was:  rank hypocrisy.

From the Pasadena Star News:

Interestingly, [CVS CEO] Merlo said nothing about booze, which his stores also sell. I know I bought a bottle of Bailey’s there this weekend.

 There’s a bit of hypocrisy in CVS’s stand when you consider what the Center for Disease Control says about fermented beverages:

“There are approximately 88,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States. ... excessive alcohol use is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death for the nation ...is responsible for 2.5 million years of potential life lost. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2006 were estimated at $223.5 billion.”

Hmmm.
 
He also left out candy or sodas with elevated levels of high fructose corn syrup.

Some researchers believe that high-fructose corn syrup or added caloric sweeteners play an important role in the development of obesity, again according to the CDC. Guess what?

Obesity leads to death too.

Merlo didn’t mention questionable over-the-counter cold remedies that can be used to manufacture methamphetamine. There was no scorn heaped upon cheap toys made by slaves in Southeast Asian sweat shops. Nor was there a commitment to limit access to other products with a range of serious side effects that include “massive loss of blood pressure,” “heart attack” and/ or “sudden death.” [Emphasis added]

Nor did Mr. Merlo mention that the government was going to outlaw tobacco sales in drug stores soon any way.

So, the shelves behind the counter or off to the side under lock and key will provide room for other products for sale.  I'm betting the new merchandise will be nicotine patches and gum and possibly even e-cigarettes.  I wouldn't worry too much about CVS's bottom line.

It's That Man Again

(Editorial cartoon by Joel Pett / Lexington Herald-Leader (June 3, 2013) and featured at McClatchy DC.)

One of the most unpleasant moments of a CVS PR executive's day has to be when a message is delivered indicating that David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times has a few more questions about CVS pharmacy policies.  Lazarus is still working hard to reveal the mega-pharmacy's shoddy practices.

Since February, CVS Caremark has been pushing its pharmacists to enroll customers in a prescription-drug rewards program.

The benefit to customers is the opportunity to earn up to $50 a year in store credits that can be used to buy shampoo, toothpaste or other products.

The benefit to CVS is persuading pharmacy customers, through questionable means, to give up federal privacy safeguards for their medical information and permitting the company to share people's drug purchases with others. ...

The fine print on CVS' website says that "each person must sign a HIPAA Authorization to join" and that "you must re-sign the HIPAA Authorization once per year to retain active enrollment."

Among the site's frequently asked questions for the program is, "Why do I need to sign a HIPAA Authorization?"

The answer: "The HIPAA Authorization allows CVS/pharmacy to record the prescription earnings of each person who joins the ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program."...

Basically, HIPAA requires insurers, hospitals, doctors, dentists and pharmacies to keep your medical information under wraps. Breaking the law can result in civil and criminal penalties, including prison terms and fines of up to $1.5 million for each violation.

What CVS calls a "HIPAA Authorization," therefore, is not to be taken lightly. Nor is it simply a matter of allowing the company "to record the prescription earnings" of ExtraCare members, as CVS indicates during the final stage of the enrollment process. ...

Rite-Aid and Walgreens have found ways to reward drug customers without violating their HIPAA protections.

What is it about CVS' program that necessitates customers abandoning their federal privacy rights? CVS isn't saying.

But $50 worth of store credits is hardly fair compensation for such a marketing prize.   [Emphasis added]

So what's the problem?

Well, that last paragraph says it all.  CVS isn't just collecting that information, it's passing it on to the people who are making the drugs, and I think it's clear that CVS isn't just handing over that information free of charge.  That corporation has found yet a new revenue source, one that doesn't cost them much at all, just a few bucks for cheap cosmetics or toothpaste sold at a premium anyway.

I hope David Lazarus continues this crusade until the state and fed AGs finally get involved to halt these corrupt practices which are costing patients and health care insurers bundles.