Most of the older folks I know get their meds in the mail these days, even from the pharmacy that’s closer than that. The pharmacist is happy to talk to them over the phone.
> They also determine which pharmacies are in network for insurance plans, and which of those are “preferred,” offering patients lower co-pays.
[…]
> Dr. Qato argues that Part D plans should not select preferred pharmacies at all.
“Allow patients to choose which pharmacy to go to, with the co-pay the same, regardless,” she said. “So the pharmacy is reimbursed fairly, whether it’s preferred or not.”
I must be missing something, but what is unfair about passing along cost savings to consumers (in the form of lower copays) when they patronize pharmacies efficient enough that they can accept lower reimbursement rates?
> They also determine which pharmacies are in network for insurance plans, and which of those are “preferred,” offering patients lower co-pays.
[…]
> Dr. Qato argues that Part D plans should not select preferred pharmacies at all. “Allow patients to choose which pharmacy to go to, with the co-pay the same, regardless,” she said. “So the pharmacy is reimbursed fairly, whether it’s preferred or not.”
I must be missing something, but what is unfair about passing along cost savings to consumers (in the form of lower copays) when they patronize pharmacies efficient enough that they can accept lower reimbursement rates?