Some of you may or may not be aware, but I have gestational diabetes while I am pregnant. That means I have to take insulin while I am pregnant to control my blood sugar, but it should return to normal after the baby is born. This post, however, is not about me…
I have been getting my insulin filled at Sullivans where I know and trust the pharmacists and techs. More importantly, they have been extremely helpful in getting me started on the insulin, showing me how to use the blood meters, test strips, lancing device, pen needles, syringes, etc. They have helped me monitor the constant dose changes and everything I need to know and do. They communicate with doctors to make sure I’m getting the right doses, brands, etc. I honestly would have been lost without them. I was extremely nervous about giving myself insulin shots, and there has been a lot to learn and changes to make through this entire process so I couldn’t be grateful enough for their knowledge and support.
I’ve been on insulin for about a month now, doing great, getting used to checking my blood sugar and giving myself shots. With all of the dose changes, it’s been so convenient to be able to swing by Sullivan’s and pick up what I need and to ask any questions.
Unfortunately, I got a letter from my prescription insurance CVS Caremark saying I can save money by switching to mail order or CVS pharmacy. I obviously didn’t want to make the switch. Yesterday, I went to fill my Novolog, and the copay was almost $400. I called CVS Caremark, and they said I have to start paying 50% of the drug cost if I continue to fill at my local pharmacy. The drug is free to me if I get a 90-day supply from CVS or mail order. Problem is there in no “local” CVS, and I’m due in August which means I won’t even be on this medication for 90 more days. I tried to explain this to them, but they would not budge. So now, to avoid a $400 copay, I have no choice but to get my insulin mail ordered. I will also be receiving an extra month of an $800 medication that I will have no choice but to throw away. What a waste…
This is the problem with our pharmaceutical industry. I’m extremely frustrasted. What happens when these mail order companies and CVS run our local pharmacies out of business? Do they care about me like my local pharmacy? Are they going to give me the care, concern, and support like I have received at Sullivan’s? Heck no. I’m just another number, just money in their pocket. Something has got to change…
Filed under: General Problems
Its me again.. I don’t see how this is being allowed!! I was injured while working, My workers comp insurance sent me a letter stating the same thing!! I don’t even think I had an “option” How can this even be legal? I keep asking but I get no answers. If no one is seeing a “pattern” here,it’s time to open your eyes. BIG GOVERNMENT is taking more an more of our rights away from us. It’s not only guns they are going after. We need some lawsuits filed and go after big time money and hurt these companies where it hurts. I to use and only use “mom n pop” pharmacy.I refuse to use CVS or any Box pharm
First of all, the PBM’s (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) like Caremark could care less about independent Pharmacies. Their whole goal is to force individuals to use CVS. That way they can receive kickbacks from the drug manufacturers which does not go to the employers who provide your insurance. I owned an independent Pharmacy for 37 years and it got to he point that I was working for the PBM’s instead of myself. They include Caremark, United Heath, Tricare, Express Scripts, Optum RX, BC/BS and about 20 others. Good luck trying to buck the system & support your local Pharmacy, it’s a multi billion dollar goldmine & it won’t be changing anytime soon. There are preferential copays & mandatory mail order which force you to do what they want. Wish it was different …