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Kaiser Permanente Hmo Complaint - To Save Money,get Kaiser Prescription Filled At Costco Or Walmart - Kaiser Prescripton Drugs
Kaiser Prescripton Drugs - Complaint
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA -- My wife and I are life long Kaiser members and medicare part d participants, so you can imagine the shock we experienced when we learned that we can (and now do) get all of our prescriptions filled at either Costco or Walmart.
When I filed a grievance, Kaiser responded that these stores charge lower prices to get customers "in the door". Is not Kaiser getting millions in medicare part d funds? I am going to list the specific drugs my wife and I use; the price comparisons are based on prices quoted by Kaiser, as well as prices we are now paying at Costco. We require medications for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Keep in mind that any customer at Costco can get these prices; no special membership is required other than what all customers are required to do to be eligible to shop there: please note that all drugs are the same dosage, and same quantity.
Price comparison of prescription drugs at
generic drug Costco Kaiser difference
1)amlodpine 8.32 19.80 11.48
2)Lovastatin 10.83 20. 9.17
3)Glipizide 14.36 20. 5.64
4)Metformin 6.60 20. 13.40
5)Atenolol 6.50 10. 3.50
6)Lisinopril 7.91 19.60 11.69
Please note that with items 1,4 & 6, the Kaiser charge was twice what Costco charged.
When I filed a grievance, Kaiser responded that these stores charge lower prices to get customers "in the door". Is not Kaiser getting millions in medicare part d funds? I am going to list the specific drugs my wife and I use; the price comparisons are based on prices quoted by Kaiser, as well as prices we are now paying at Costco. We require medications for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Keep in mind that any customer at Costco can get these prices; no special membership is required other than what all customers are required to do to be eligible to shop there: please note that all drugs are the same dosage, and same quantity.
Price comparison of prescription drugs at
generic drug Costco Kaiser difference
1)amlodpine 8.32 19.80 11.48
2)Lovastatin 10.83 20. 9.17
3)Glipizide 14.36 20. 5.64
4)Metformin 6.60 20. 13.40
5)Atenolol 6.50 10. 3.50
6)Lisinopril 7.91 19.60 11.69
Please note that with items 1,4 & 6, the Kaiser charge was twice what Costco charged.
Comments:
Posted by The_Judge on 2009-12-14:
What's the complaint??? That Kaiser is charging a higher price? That's business. Don't like their price (which you don't) shop around (which you did)
This type of complaint would litter this board if everyone complained about one store charging more than another for the same product.
This type of complaint would litter this board if everyone complained about one store charging more than another for the same product.
Posted by Class Advocate on 2009-12-14:
I absolutely disagree with The_Judge. A consumer pointing out massive price discrepancies between what an HMO charges for drugs verses a Costco is exactly why this board exists. We are not talking about two grocery stores pricing a gallon of milk. HMOs are in an unique position. I bet Kaiser's pharmacy is a few doors down from the doctor's office and most definitely in the same building. Moreover, Kaiser has the patients medical records and can project future co-pays and when it will exhaust Part D coverage forcing a patient to assume greater share of drug costs. There is always a natural tension between an insurance company, a medical provider and a pharmacy. When Kaiser acts as all three, that tension is lost.
Great post!
Great post!
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-12-14:
this board isn't going to be able to force kaiser to change their prices
if you found your meds elsewhere for cheaper then go to that location.
it's not like kaiser is preventing you from going somewhere else
and if they do... then it's a problem.
mom's old hmo tried that with our prescription lenses. mom had to fight with them because they kept insisting that she get them made at their location and mom wanted to get them done somewhere else.
so ... if they try to stop you, then raise holy hell
but if they just give you your script and let you go
then get your meds where you feel the price is best
if you found your meds elsewhere for cheaper then go to that location.
it's not like kaiser is preventing you from going somewhere else
and if they do... then it's a problem.
mom's old hmo tried that with our prescription lenses. mom had to fight with them because they kept insisting that she get them made at their location and mom wanted to get them done somewhere else.
so ... if they try to stop you, then raise holy hell
but if they just give you your script and let you go
then get your meds where you feel the price is best
Posted by Slimjim on 2009-12-14:
Walmart is becoming well known for having low prices on prescriptions. Kaiser's are more likely in line with most pharmacies. This probably would be a better review if it was written as a compliment to Walmart and Coscos instead.
Posted by JR in Orlando on 2009-12-14:
The best way to save money would be to get healthier. People I know who take diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesteral medicine have two things in common: obesity and lack of exercise. I don't know if that is you, but some of them have been able to quit taking all the medicines when they lost weight and exercised.
Posted by GenuineNerd on 2012-01-12:
Kaiser in Ohio charges $44 for a 90-day supply of Pravastatin (for cholesterol). I had it refilled at Giant Eagle for $10.
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