Latest news with #Menin
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Uber's super PAC could face fines over mailer for NYC Councilwoman Julie Menin
Uber's super PAC — which is spending heavily on local legislative elections this year — could face fines ranging in the thousands of dollars for failing to disclose it sent out mailers to hundreds of Manhattanites urging them to support City Councilwoman Julie Menin's reelection bid. The pamphlet, a photo of which was provided to the Daily News by a source who received it in the mail, displays a picture of Menin next to text bubbles reading, 'Listen to parents, to teachers, to students — Julie Menin knows that's how we create great schools. Vote by June 24.' The back of the mailer says, 'Paid for by Uber NY PAC.' But records show the PAC hadn't as of this week reported the expenditure to the city Campaign Finance Board. Uber spokesman Josh Gold confirmed Tuesday his ride-sharing company's eponymous PAC didn't report the mailer to the Campaign Finance Board within a week of disseminating it as required by law. Gold blamed the lapse on an 'inadvertent administrative error' and noted records confirm the PAC did disclose the mailer expenditure to the state Board of Elections, a step also required by law. Gold said Uber is working with the Campaign Finance Board to rectify the issue on that end. 'There's no intent to conceal,' Gold said. This year, Uber is spending on candidates it hopes will oppose a Council bill that would prohibit the company from locking drivers out of its app for more than 72 hours straight without a just cause. The issue of Uber drivers being locked out of the app has emerged since the city established a minimum wage for them that the company says puts it in a financially precarious situation as it has to pay them even when there's low rider demand. Due to the disclosure mishap related to the Menin mailer, Uber could face a relatively hefty fine. Under city laws, PACs can face fines amounting to 31% of the total spent on any given expenditure if six days pass after the reporting deadline and they still haven't disclose it to the Campaign Finance Board. As of Tuesday, Uber had passed the six-day threshold for reporting the Menin mailer. Meantime, the state Board of Elections records show Uber spent $25,561 on sending out the Menin mailer to hundreds of residents in her Upper East Side-based district. That means Uber could face a fine as large as $7,924, on top of any additional penalties the board could impose if Uber has been alerted to the reporting problems and not responded within one day. The source who provided a copy of the undisclosed Menin mailer filed a complaint with the Campaign Finance Board over the issue. An email obtained by The News confirms the board in response started 'evaluating' the complaint last Friday. A board spokesman declined to comment. Menin, who's a potential candidate for City Council speaker next year, didn't immediately return a request for comment. In total, Uber has spent $71,122 on Menin mailers to date. Most of that spending has been reported to the Campaign Finance Board, records show. The Uber PAC, which plans to shell out as much as $2.5 million on June 24 Council primaries, by law can't coordinate with Menin or other political candidates it's boosting with mailers, ads and other independent spending activities.
Politico
27-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
HTC's primary plans
LABORING PRIMARIES: The powerful Hotel and Gaming Trades Council will spend nearly $2.5 million in New York City Democratic primary races — a significant cash infusion that will turbocharge the union's vaunted voter turnout operation. The union, which represents some 40,000 gaming and hospitality workers, will spend $1 million on City Council primaries to support its endorsed candidates. HTC will boost mayoral frontrunner Andrew Cuomo with $1 million that includes TV and digital advertising, as first reported this afternoon by The New York Times. And the organization will spread its money to races outside City Hall: $500,000 on borough president primaries — including Keith Powers in Manhattan — and several New Jersey elections. Candidates will benefit from a robust mail and digital effort — as well as a GOTV operation the union conducts each election cycle. A union spokesperson laid out the plans to Playbook this afternoon, with four weeks until the Democratic primary in New York City. It all adds up to an unprecedented push by HTC — first reported here — to bolster its already considerable influence with Democratic elected officials before its industry-wide contract expires in 2026. Friendly officials applying public pressure on private-sector owners will come in handy. The union's allies are in contests for top political jobs next year — adding to the group's expansive political clout. Council Member Julie Menin, likely running for speaker, sided with HTC in its pitched battle to require hotel owners to obtain operating licenses and restrict subcontracting work — a bill the union helped draft amid a multimillion dollar industry lobbying effort. Menin's speaker candidacy is expected to have HTC's backing, according to a person familiar with the union's plans. The hotel union was integral in Corey Johnson becoming city council speaker in 2017, but backed an unsuccessful rival to Adrienne Adams in the 2021 speaker's race. Menin, Council Members Christopher Marte and Shaun Abreu will be among those getting a boost from HTC's efforts this cycle. Candidates Ty Hankerson, Elsie Encarnacion and Virginia Maloney will also receive support. Cuomo is the heavy favorite to win the June 24 primary and HTC endorsed his bid in April. Union President Rich Maroko was among those who called for Cuomo's resignation in 2021, after a state attorney general report found he sexually harassed women on his staff. He ended up stepping down, though he denies the allegations. 'Our primary objective in everything we do is to make sure that our members have a voice at work but we're also fighting to make sure they have a voice in the democratic process,' Maroko said in a statement. 'That's why we fought to win unique and groundbreaking contractual rights that allow each of our eligible members to vote on paid time, to ensure that NYC's blue collar hospitality workers are never disenfranchised and that they always have a loud and impactful voice in the democratic process.' The labor industry's political clout nationally has waned for decades as membership decreased and blue-collar workers, once reliably Democratic voters, have gravitated toward Donald Trump's MAGA movement. It's different in New York — a deep blue city that's the most unionized in the country. Here labor's support is crucial in primary races, with scant policy differences between candidates giving endorsements extra sway. And few unions other than HTC can provide organizational muscle to get their members to the polls on Election Day. Unionized hotel workers receive paid time off to vote, a stipulation in their most recent contract — a unique codicil that boosts the union's influence. The labor group's turnout is further juiced by targeted text messages and phone calls to remind workers of their civic duty. 'With its citywide contract expiring next year, this is arguably the most important election cycle for the union in the past decade,' an HTC official said. 'That's why it's spending more on this primary election cycle than it ever has before.' — Nick Reisman IN THE COURTS CONGESTION PRICING LOVERS, REJOICE!: A federal judge ruled today that the controversial Manhattan tolling program can continue uninterrupted until at least June 9 and issued a temporary restraining order to stop the federal government from cutting MTA funding in the meantime. The order by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman is another setback for President Donald Trump in the bitterly fought saga. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called it a 'massive victory.' 'We've won — again,' Hochul said in a statement. The MTA has previously fended off legal challenges to congestion pricing from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and numerous foes inside New York. Hochul said Trump's Transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, 'can issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants, but a court has blocked the Trump administration from retaliating against New York for reducing traffic and investing in transit.' In February, Trump posted a graphic of himself wearing a crown and said, 'CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!' In the months since, Duffy has threatened to retaliate by withholding money and approval for an array of public works projects in the state. 'The judge's ruling today was not on the merits of our case against Hochul's class warfare, but rather a temporary pause to have more time to reach a decision,' a DOT spokesperson said. 'Enforcement actions for noncompliance were merely under consideration, and we will comply with the judge's request to hold.' The restraining order is only an interim step, though. Judge Liman said he wants to quickly decide the case's broader issues, which largely center on Duffy's authority to pull approval for a program approved by his predecessors in the Biden administration — but that could take months. — Ry Rivard From the Capitol QUEENS CASINO GAMBLE IS A GO: A tumultuous chapter in billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen's crusade to build a casino next to Citi Field came to a close today. The victor? Cohen. The loser? State Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district includes the proposed site, and who — in theory — protested Cohen's efforts until the very end. Cohen's bill to allow a casino to be built next to Citi Field passed the Senate today, with only five Democrats — state Sens. Joseph Addabbo, Jabari Brisport, Cordell Cleare, Liz Krueger and Ramos — voting against the measure. The Cohen proposal would remove the 'parkland designation' from the site of the proposed casino — clearing the way for construction — and would designate a separate plot of land as parkland to replace it. Cohen is one of several bidders vying for three licenses to operate downstate casinos — licenses that are set to be awarded by the end of the year. In order for his bill to move forward, he needed the Legislature to free up the parkland adjacent to Citi Field. Historically, local elected officials are given de facto 'member deference' when it comes to matters of parkland alienation. Ramos made her opposition to the casino plan known last year and even held a press conference bashing the proposal: 'I'm in a position to defend the will of my constituents, and I would be shocked, actually, if the state Senate would allow for someone else to introduce such legislation,' she said last year. But that's exactly what happened. State Sen. John Liu, a Democrat who last year was opposed to efforts to insert the bill in the state budget, introduced legislation in March that freed up parkland both in his district and hers — a move that circumvented Ramos and allowed Cohen's bill to come to the floor with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins' blessing. While Ramos still opposes the casino plan, her reaction to Liu's bill has been one of resignation, rather than protest. Following the bill's expected passage today, Hochul will have to sign of on it for it to become law. She has not given any indication she's against the measure, and Cohen is one of the most prolific donors to the New York Democratic party. — Jason Beeferman GROUNDING ICE: The latest plan in Albany to combat the Trump administration targets airlines contracting with ICE for deportation flights. State Sen. Pat Fahy and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages unveiled a bill today focused on airlines participating in removals that occur without judicial hearings or court warrants. Those airlines would be banned from contracting with state and local governments under the bill and would lose their tax exemption for jet fuel. 'We are saying this is not going to happen on our watch — not with our tax dollars and not in our state,' Solages said. 'This is not just about policy, this is about us stopping a constitutional crisis.' — Bill Mahoney FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine is releasing two new ads that build off his and his family's multilingual abilities for his city comptroller run against City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan. The ads, 'Tell You' and 'Yo Conozco,' with the latter entirely in Spanish, feature Levine's son, Alejandro, speaking about his dad. The campaign is spending $225,000 to push out the ads this week, with the English-language hit airing on cable and digital platforms tomorrow. The Spanish-language ad will also air on digital platforms tomorrow and will hit cable airwaves next week when the campaign plans to spend even more dough. 'This one is personal for me,' Levine said in a statement. 'It means the world to hear these words from my son, and I hope New Yorkers can see the values that I've always tried to live by — integrity, honesty, and a love for this city — reflected in him.' The ads mirror his previous spot, which Levine used to show off his ability to speak in five languages. Brannan has also released two ads, including one featuring Coney Island as a backdrop and highlighting his opposition to Adams' budget cuts last year. 'The most revealing part of Mark Levine's new TV commercial is what's missing: any sign that he's ever stood up to Eric Adams over the past 3.5 years,' Brannan's spokesperson Sam Raskin said. Levine's spokesperson, Annabel Lassally, shot back: 'It's deeply disappointing, but not surprising, to see Justin Brannan responding to a heartfelt ad narrated by Mark's son with an entirely dishonest attack,' she said. 'Mark has consistently stood up to the Adams administration — on housing, budget cuts to libraries, pre-K, and public safety — and his record speaks for itself."' — Jason Beeferman BIG ENDORSEMENT FOR MAYOR ... OF ALBANY: Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is throwing his weight behind Chief City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs in the crowded Democratic primary for mayor of the state's capital city. 'Dorcey Applyrs is the right person at the right time for the City of Albany,' he said in a statement. 'With more than a decade of experience serving the people of Albany, she knows firsthand the strengths of the city and its people as well as the challenges they face.' It's the first time Heastie has weighed in on a local Albany election, Applyrs' campaign said. The endorsement is also notable given Heastie's decision to stay neutral in the race for mayor of New York City, which includes his Bronx district. 'I am honored to have the endorsement of a leader the caliber of Speaker Heastie who I respect very much,' Applyrs said in a statement. 'His confidence in me and our strong partnership is more important than ever as when I am elected our next mayor we will be making critical decisions about the best ways to capitalize on New York State's $400 million investment in our community.' Also in the race are Albany County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin, medical technology startup founder Dan Cerutti, and Albany Common Council President Corey Ellis. — Jason Beeferman IN OTHER NEWS — PACKAGING REDUCTION AND RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE ACT: Senate Republicans rallied against the packaging bill today. (Buffalo News) — UPSTATE UNION BATTLE: An apple farm is refusing to follow a contract it mediated with its union, despite state lawmakers' efforts to allow farms to unionize in 2019. (New York Focus) — SUBSIDIZED LANDLORDS EVICT: More than 300 eviction warrants were sought by landlords who received public funds to house tenants who were recently homeless or suffer from mental illness and substance abuse. (Gothamist) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Big Shred NY! Mobilizes Statewide Empowering NYers to Fight Identity Theft as Fraud Losses Nationwide Soar to $12.5 Billion
AARP NY, District Attorney Bragg, and Councilmember Menin to Kick Off State-wide events NEW YORK, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tax documents, old bills, cancelled policies and checks all can lead to fraud, so to counter identity thieves and fight back against scams, AARP New York, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Manhattan Councilmember Julie Menin and office of Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright launched The Big Shred NY! today at The Center @ Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in Manhattan. With scams targeting New Yorkers at an all-time high, AARP New York staff and volunteer are committed to providing access to popular shredding events with 27 locations around the state where New Yorkers can safely dispose of their outdated personal papers to help keep their identities safe. Over 500 people signed up for the first two free shredding events scheduled today in Manhattan. The events continue throughout New York State until May 10, 2025, to coincide with the end of the tax season. "Fraud cost Americans $12.5 billion last year – including over $500 million in losses right here in New York," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. "Our popular shredding events empower New Yorkers to take back control and protect their important personal data. The Big Shred NY! is free, secure, and effective – and with scams becoming more sophisticated, it's critical we don't overlook this simple yet powerful protection against financial fraudsters. Fraud on the Rise – Especially Targeting Older Adults Financial exploitation of older adults continues to rise. Reported theft through fraud topped $12.5 billion in 2024, according to the 2024 report by Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The total is 25% higher than reported in 2023. In New York State, there was a total of 118,933 fraud reports made to the FTC, with $534 million in losses. In cases where ages were documented, there were 28,578 fraud reports from people over 50, with a total loss of $159 million. "Far too often we see scammers taking advantage of older adults by stealing their sensitive information. To prevent fraud, protect yourself and your loved ones by shredding your documents that contain personal details," said District Attorney Bragg. "My office will continue to hold fraudsters accountable. If you believe that you, or someone you know, has been the victim of financial fraud, please call us at 212-335-8900." "I am proud to team up with AARP New York on this important shredding event," said Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright, Chair of the Aging Committee and lead sponsor of the elder fraud bill. "Shredding is a reliable method to help protect against financial scams, particularly those targeting aging adults. I find it unconscionable that so many of our aging neighbors are left vulnerable to devastating financial fraud. That's why I was lead sponsor of the elder fraud bill to enact more robust fraud protection mechanisms. As Aging chair and as Assembly Member of the largest concentration of older adults in Manhattan, I will continue to marshal every resource to protect aging New Yorkers and their hard-earned finances." "At Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, we're proud to host AARP New York's 'The Big Shred NY!' as part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and empowerment. This initiative aligns with our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. By providing a secure space for New Yorkers to safely dispose of sensitive documents, we're helping our neighbors take a practical step against identity theft while fostering community connections. Collaborations like this one with AARP New York, Assemblymember Seawright, and District Attorney Bragg demonstrate how collaboration across sectors creates meaningful solutions to protect our most vulnerable community members," said Rachel Bender, Chief Program Officer at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. Fighting Fraud on All Fronts – Advocacy, Awareness, and Free Resources AARP New York is also: Advocating for legislation to strengthen laws that will protect -New Yorkers from financial exploitation. Some common scams include: the grandparent scam, when someone calls and poses as a grandchild in trouble who needs money; fake toll collection texts saying you owe money to EZ Pass; and cryptocurrency scams, which use dating apps to lure people into buying crypto for the scammer. Launching, "Fraud Fridays" – a new weekly digital series on @AARPNY's Instagram that raises awareness about the latest scams targeting New Yorkers, highlights warning signs, and arms New Yorkers with fraud prevention tips to help spot – and stop – the scam. Fraud Fridays will drop weekly on AARP New York's Instagram page at Offering free tools and hotline at to help people recognize and report scams. Shredding events are held outdoors; some are walk-up, and some are drive-through. All The Big Shred NY! events will be open to the public. Visit for exact dates, times and locations. Those wishing to attend the shredding events must limit materials to three bags. The events conclude when the on-site trucks are full, but the sites may close early if trucks fill up. Paper only and no magazines, newspapers, books, or cardboard. Shredding services are free and open to the public. Spring-cleaning checklist to rid your home of paper with sensitive info: Old Documents: Papers that carry your Social Security number, birthdate, signature, account numbers, passwords or PIN numbers. Banking: Canceled or unused checks. Shred deposit slips and ATM and credit card receipts. Credit Cards: Preapproved credit card applications and incentive/gift checks from credit card companies. Medical: Unneeded medical bills. Investments: Investment account statements. Obsolete ID cards: Expired driver's licenses, medical insurance cards and passports. In 2013, AARP launched the Fraud Watch Network to arm Americans with proven tools to fight back against identity theft and scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips people with reliable, up-to-date insights, and a free Fraud Network Helpline is available to help you and your loved ones. For the latest tips on how to keep yourself safe from identity theft fraud, visit Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York Over 500 people signed up for the first free shredding event scheduled today in Manhattan. AARP staff along with Manhattan Councilmember Julie Menin, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Rachel Bender, Chief Program Officer at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. About AARPAARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media. Shredding services will be performed by a third party. All documents and information provided for shredding are subject to that party's privacy and informational security policies. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AARP New York Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anthem Blue Cross to release data officials hope will help NYC crack down on soaring health care costs, saving $2B yearly
The Big Apple's largest public-employee insurer has agreed to provide previously redacted healthcare data that could help rein in astronomical prices New York hospitals charge patients, The Post has learned. Anthem Blue Cross' sudden change of heart Saturday came a week after The Post reported on the flawed 263-page report by the city Health Department's new Office of Healthcare Accountability, which found wild price inconsistencies across city hospitals. For example, a colonoscopy may run $940 at one hospital and $12,000 in another. Same for a cesarean-section delivery, which ranged from $7,000 to $58,000. The study – which focused on payments made through Anthem, and not private-sector insurance plans– also had gaping holes in it, and it accused Anthem of violating the law by failing to provide the OHA with data needed to provide a complete picture of the price inconsistencies. Anthem agreed to release previously redacted data following a virtual meeting Friday with Councilwoman Julie Menin (D-Manhattan), who sponsored the legislation creating the first-of-its-kind healthcare watchdog office in 2023. 'We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Anthem to release this missing healthcare transparency data that will once and for all allow New Yorkers to know what hospitals are charging for all medical procedures and enable [NYC] to potentially save upwards of $2 billion a year by harnessing its purchasing power to drive down costs,' said Menin. The OHA is now expected to issue a revised report with the new numbers to give the city critical information needed to help negotiate cheaper prices for healthcare, Menin added. The insurer set up the meeting following the Post's coverage of the flawed OHA report, which included Menin ripping Anthem's decision to withhold data as 'a slap in the face to the City of New York.' 'We believe in pricing transparency and will continue to work with our partners within city government, organized labor, and our provider community to ensure we are investigating all avenues for continued savings for the employees of New York City and their families,' said Victor DeStefano, president of Anthem's New York plan. Anthem — which the city pays a whopping $3 billion yearly to provide insurance to roughly 900,000 employees – had previously claimed releasing some of the pricing data would violate confidentiality agreements that predate both a 2021 federal rule and a 2023 city law requiring hospitals to disclose their prices to the public. The insurer, however, denies violating any laws but agrees the additional data will enhance the value of future OHA reports. The city's GHI-Comprehensive Benefits Plan through Anthem paid on average $45,150 for inpatient services last fiscal year at New York's top 10 hospital systems, the OHA report said. The highest prices for full in-patient treatment were at New York-Presbyterian ($92,727) and Montefiore Medical Center ($83,573), while Stony Brook University Hospital was the lowest ($36,876). The Post two years ago reported on analyses by 32BJ SEIU, the city's building-services employee union, showing the Big Apple could save taxpayers as much as $2 billion annually by auditing exactly how much municipal workers pay for care at various hospitals and making recommendations on ways to lower the prices. 'All along we've said that access to transparent data allows us to be better consumers,' said Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council, the city's largest municipal employee union. 'We appreciate Anthem doing the right thing and working with us to release the data for city worker healthcare costs.' Anthem's decision to turn over the data also came after NYC Comptroller Brad Lander separately sent the insurance provider a scathing letter Wednesday demanding full transparency. Prior to Anthem's reversal, Lander, through a spokesperson, threatened to probe the insurer. 'The office is prepared to exercise its investigative powers to get to the bottom of this,' Lander's spokesperson Oluwatona Campbell told The Post Friday. 'New Yorkers deserve hospitals that prioritize care over profits and a healthcare system that's transparent, equitable, and worthy of their trust.'
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Anthem Blue Cross under fire for ‘refusing to' help NYC crack down on soaring health care costs, new report shows
An inaugural report by the New York City Health Department aimed at cracking down on sky-high prices hospitals charge patients has gaping holes in it because the Big Apple's largest public-employee insurer refuses to turn over records, officials said. The 263-page report quietly released Friday through the agency's new Office of Healthcare Accountability says hospital prices are wildly inconsistent. The study focused on payments made through the city's health care provider, Anthem Blue Cross, and not private-sector insurance plans. The city's GHI-Comprehensive Benefits Plan through Anthem paid on average $45,150 for inpatient services last fiscal year at New York's top 10 hospital systems, the report said. The highest prices for full in-patient treatment were at New York-Presbyterian ($92,727) and Montefiore Medical Center ($83,573), while Stony Brook University Hospital was the lowest ($36,876). The report noted the city spent $3.3 billion paying for employee hospital care during the fiscal year ending June 30, and half went to three hospital systems: Northwell Health ($759 million), New York-Presbyterian ($485 million) and NYU Langone Health ($443 million). New York-Presbyterian had the highest prices for 11 of 12 inpatient procedures analyzed and 14 of 27 outpatient procedures, the report said. Prices at hospital systems ranged widely, from $940 to $12,000 for a colonoscopy, and $7,000 to $58,000 for a cesarean-section delivery. And the city is now spending more on hospital outpatient care than inpatient. The report cited Anthem — which the city pays a whopping $3 billion yearly to provide insurance to roughly 900,000 employees — for refusing to provide the OFA the full costs of health care at hospitals and other data it needs to determine whether these prices are warranted. Anthem claimed releasing some of the pricing data would violate confidentiality agreements it has with hospitals that predate a 2021 federal rule requiring hospitals to disclose their prices to the public. However, Councilwoman Julie Menin (D-Manhattan), who sponsored legislation creating the first-of-its-kind health care watchdog office in 2023, isn't buying it. 'It's a slap in the face to the City of New York when federal rules require hospital pricing be made public, but Anthem won't comply with city law due to so-called 'preexisting agreements,'' she said. 'This health care industry cat-and-mouse game is costing the city billions, and we need full transparency now.' 'It's so distressing to see these prices,' added Menin. 'It's extremely high and is why we need price transparency. Why should New York City be paying so much for health care? It's sickening and unsustainable.' The city's health care insurance contract is up later this year, and the city 'must require full disclosure of pricing' to whoever gets it,' said Menin. Anthem is among the bidders for the new deal. The Post two years ago reported on analyses by 32BJ SEIU, the city's building-services employee union, showing the Big Apple could save taxpayers as much as $2 billion annually by auditing exactly how much municipal workers pay for care at various hospitals and making recommendations on ways to lower the prices. Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ, said his union pushed hard to create the OFA but added it's unfortunate the 'inaugural report is more noteworthy for what is missing.' 'It's clear that hospitals and insurers are still exerting their influence to block sharing certain data the city needs to reverse the trend of exorbitant health care costs,' he said. The OFA was created in large part to offer greater transparency to patients on costs of medical procedures at a private hospital vs. city-run medical facilities as it has the authority to publicly release hospital pricing citywide. It operates with a $2 million budget and 15 staffers. 'Health insurance companies and New York City hospitals must remove arbitrary barriers to data access that would otherwise support transparent and equitable pricing of medical services,' said Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37, the city's largest municipal employee union. 'We must utilize every tool at our disposal to fight these unfair practices, including ensuring the Office of Healthcare Accountability is adequately staffed to fulfill its primary purpose of tackling disparity pricing that exploits the vulnerabilities of New Yorkers in need of care.' Anthem reps did not immediately return messages.
