Posts: 5,364
Threads: 46
Joined: Feb 2009
Obamacare has hit home.
My company is making all employees change over to the high deductible plan. So now I have to pay everything out of pocket until I get to $3000. I don't mind the plan except for the fact that I'm 48 and a few years down the road, things might start falling apart to where I need more medical care.
I'm used to paying a co-pay for the doc and for prescriptions. I was checking out prescription prices last night for the one daily medication I take and about hit the floor.
90 day supply
CVS...$228
Walgreens...$115
Walmart...$47.50
Costco...$28.50 No membership required
While I'm over the moon about Costcos price, how the hell does CVS and Walgreens get away with charging those prices? Wouldn't that be price gouging? They go after the gas stations that price-gouge, why not the pharmacies?
I can't remember ever filling a prescription anywhere other than CVS, and Hooks before it was CVS. I never paid any attention to what it might cost without a co-pay, and figured everywhere would be similar. The thought that I've patronized this place, and helped to rob people blind who didn't have insurance for the last 30 years makes me sick.
Fuck you CVS...I'll never have another reason to give you my business or money.
Posts: 85,311
Threads: 2,915
Joined: Jun 2008
That's an amazing difference in price! I've never paid attention to that kind of thing but I will now and there are a couple people who I will tell to do what you did so they can see for themselves.
That seems so wrong. What about the old people who don't know any better. Who looks out for them?
Posts: 25,581
Threads: 227
Joined: Dec 2008
I'm surprised with the difference of doctor's visits also, my daughter had what looked like hives all over her back and shoulders so I called a few dermatologists and all of their first time patient charges were $200 plus. I ended up going with one that could get her in the quickest and didn't even bother asking what they charge because at that point I figured they're all the same. She was very nice, knew what it was within 5 minutes and charged me 48 bucks. Huge difference.
I wouldn't be able to get away with that shit in my business, I don't know why we allow doctors and pharmacies to price gouge.
Posts: 85,311
Threads: 2,915
Joined: Jun 2008
(12-23-2013, 08:09 PM)sally Wrote: all of their first time patient charges were $200 plus.
The vet pulls that first time patient bullshit too.
Posts: 5,364
Threads: 46
Joined: Feb 2009
(12-23-2013, 07:59 PM)Duchess Wrote:
That's an amazing difference in price! I've never paid attention to that kind of thing but I will now and there are a couple people who I will tell to do what you did so they can see for themselves.
That seems so wrong. What about the old people who don't know any better. Who looks out for them?
That's what I was wondering. I'm sure a lot of them have to choose between their meds and food.
Posts: 29,189
Threads: 391
Joined: Aug 2011
If Costco can sell it at that price and (presumably) make a sustainable profit, it's unbelievable that CVS's mark-up is 10 times higher.
Hopefully, word will get out and Costco will be the big winner via increased sales volume.
There aren't that many Costcos around me, but I'd drive to the south bay or across the bridge for that amount of savings.
Posts: 29,189
Threads: 391
Joined: Aug 2011
Walgreens markets like crazy to seniors and offers special discounts, etc... They also have a tight relationship with Medicare.
I don't know if the difference in prices is similar across all prescriptions, but I'll definitely advise my clients to check out Costco as an alternate source.
Posts: 5,364
Threads: 46
Joined: Feb 2009
I remember awhile back that someone posted a price for a prescription and Costcos being so much lower. That's the only reason I remembered to check them out.
I think I would have fell over dead if I had it filled at CVS and they told me I owed them that much. I might have been choosing between meds and food also.
Our Costco was just built and opened in October. It's right across the street from where I work. Yay! The thought of standing in line at Wallys for an hour with all the hilljacks was giving me anxiety.
Posts: 37,639
Threads: 1,590
Joined: Jun 2008
It will make a difference where you go for blood work look in the new handbooks they should have the cheaper lab. I'm not liking where all this is going either.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.
Posts: 5,364
Threads: 46
Joined: Feb 2009
(12-23-2013, 09:04 PM)Maggot Wrote: It will make a difference where you go for blood work look in the new handbooks they should have the cheaper lab. I'm not liking where all this is going either.
I get my lab work done for free. At least it was...not sure if it's still going to be free when our Insurance turns over on 4/1. I doubt it.
Posts: 37,639
Threads: 1,590
Joined: Jun 2008
Mine was free also not anymore though. Even the free clinics are shutting down.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.
Posts: 4,275
Threads: 39
Joined: Mar 2011
The GF has 3 or 4 scripts she needs all the time, well, on and off for some. She has spent most of the last 2 months researching all the options, programs and all that BS, makes me nuts. SO, I came up with this: for each script, shop it around, it may take 3 separate trips to get the best deal on each one but its Hundred$. It eliminated the need for a medigap plan. We are also maxing her out on the current plan, basically hoarding her meds before the new deal kicks in.
Posts: 15,939
Threads: 392
Joined: Jun 2008
The charges you have to pay over there are crazy.
The fact a company is allowed to charge almost ten times as much as another company for the same pills is a disgrace.
Let the word go out, GO TO COSTCO!
We need to punish the French, ignore the Germans and forgive the Russians - Condoleezza Rice.
Posts: 4,275
Threads: 39
Joined: Mar 2011
All the drug companies do that hit. Thats why I cab buy drugs from canada with shipping for half or less than anywhere here. The drug companies sell the drugs for different prices to each customer. $5 here, $30 over there etc..
There is not a drug company anywhere that is losing money, they are making as much as the insurance companies
Posts: 5,364
Threads: 46
Joined: Feb 2009
(12-24-2013, 11:21 AM)Cynical Ninja Wrote: The charges you have to pay over there are crazy.
The fact a company is allowed to charge almost ten times as much as another company for the same pills is a disgrace.
Let the word go out, GO TO COSTCO!
I have definitely put the word out. I'm surprised they don't make you buy a membership for those prices.
|
![[Image: Zy3rKpW.png]](https://i.imgur.com/Zy3rKpW.png)
