I'm too swamped with Stuff I Gotta Do to write something new this morning here so here's a short rerun. It's part of a post that ran here on June 20, 2006 when my go-to drug store was transitioning…
Last night, I went back to my friendly neighborhood Sav-on Drug Store which, to the confusion of elderly patrons everywhere, is becoming a CVS Pharmacy. A sign out front promises that the new establishment will have "More convenient hours." Since the place is now open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, I can't wait to see how they manage that.
I was there to pick up a renewal on a prescription and the man behind the counter fetched it and announced, "That'll be $91.88." I said…well, here. I'll let you listen in on what I said…
ME: What? I've been getting that prescription for two years and it's always been ten bucks.
PHARMACIST: (after consulting his computer) You're renewing it ahead of schedule. Your insurance doesn't pay unless you're within seven days of running out.
ME: And when will I be within seven days of running out?
PHARMACIST: (after consulting his computer again) June 20.
ME: It's 11:54 PM. In six minutes, it'll be June 20.
PHARMACIST: And in six minutes, it'll be ten dollars.
ME: I suppose there's no point in mentioning that I'm not going to be taking that pill tonight. I am just as "out of it" as I will be in six minutes.
PHARMACIST: Right. There's no point in mentioning that. At this moment, it's $91.88.
I went to the end of the line and saved eighty bucks. Makes you wonder what the mark-up is on these pills. And the funny/sad part of it is that this particular drug is also sold over-the-counter without a prescription for $23. I'd hate to think there are uninsured people out there who don't know that and are paying the $91.88, but I'll bet there are.
By the way, I'm told by several folks that not every Sav-on is becoming a CVS. Good for them. This conversion is already becoming way too traumatic for me.