| Volume 85 Number 4 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
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Why Prescription Drug Prices Remain High
Why are prescription drugs so expensive?
In 2012, consumers spent an astonishing $758 out of pocket for prescription drugs. Some of the time, consumers can avoid high cost drugs by substituting a generic alternative. Yet, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to find generic alternatives.
In a case that made it to the Supreme Court last week, we found out one reason why prescription drug costs are so high! Essentially, brand name drug makers pay generic manufacturers to keep generics out of the market. Since 2004, such agreements have cost taxpayers $3.5 billion per year.
What can you do to lower your pharmacy bill?
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Budget Cuts Cause Long Waits at IRS
Tax Day is less than a week away. If you haven't already done your taxes, it's time to get the ball rolling. However, if you need help from the IRS, you better block off some extra time. Due to budget cuts, taxpayers are experiencing long delays with both the IRS help line and its free tax preparation services.
If you've been putting off your taxes, get started now. If you end up needing any help, you'll be glad you did.
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Your Money
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For the Lawyers
Credit card customer does not have to show identity theft to sue for violation of state credit card disclosure law. The Massachusetts Supreme Court held a credit card customer was not required to show that she was the victim of identity theft in order recover damages for a retailer’s violation of a state law prohibiting the disclosure of personal information on transaction forms. The plaintiff made several credit card purchases at a store in Massachusetts that is part of the defendant’s retail chain. In each transaction, the plaintiff provided her ZIP code as requested by a cashier. The plaintiff filed a class action in federal court, alleging that the defendant’s practice of requesting and recording customer ZIP codes violated a Massachusetts privacy statute that prohibits the recording of a card holder’s “personal identification information” in credit card transactions. The district court dismissed, finding no injury. The supreme court held that a plaintiff may bring an action for violation of the privacy statute without having to show identity theft.
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