Anonymous said...
Just went to renew my meds, and contrary to what I was told, the copayments are double or triple. I am a retiree- took the buyout, and glad I did! Before, meds were a 90 day supply for one copayment. We were told that the 2009 copayment would only cover 30 days of meds, unless we used Kaiser's mail program, in which case it would cover 90 days, like before. But Kaiser now charges 2 copayments, even if you use the mail. Now $10 for generics, and $25 for non.
NOTE: You gotta fight Kaiser for everything?
At this rate many generics cost less if you forget about your coverage, and just pay the cost of the meds, at Kaisers' member rate. Also ask for a whole bottle. Atenolol costs $10 for 50 pills, (100 days), or $10.50 for 100. Others are similar.
Q. Have others had this problem? How can they possibly say this is "substantially equivalent?" What can we do?
Thanks.
May 2, 2009 10:56 AM
Just went to renew my meds, and contrary to what I was told, the copayments are double or triple. I am a retiree- took the buyout, and glad I did! Before, meds were a 90 day supply for one copayment. We were told that the 2009 copayment would only cover 30 days of meds, unless we used Kaiser's mail program, in which case it would cover 90 days, like before. But Kaiser now charges 2 copayments, even if you use the mail. Now $10 for generics, and $25 for non.
NOTE: You gotta fight Kaiser for everything?
At this rate many generics cost less if you forget about your coverage, and just pay the cost of the meds, at Kaisers' member rate. Also ask for a whole bottle. Atenolol costs $10 for 50 pills, (100 days), or $10.50 for 100. Others are similar.
Q. Have others had this problem? How can they possibly say this is "substantially equivalent?" What can we do?
Thanks.
May 2, 2009 10:56 AM
Comments
Oct. 1, 2007 only. After Oct. 1, Subs. Equiv. is NOT required ... "required" not written anywhere in the contract. Just like: everyone will have a job on Oct. 1, 2007. You know what happened after Oct. 1 ...Layoff!!
Enjoy your retirement while you can. I'm sure more "substantially equivalent" changes from NNSA and LLNS are in store for the future.
They also offer 90 days for $10, which can be about one third of the Kaiser "benefit."
Here's the link to Wal Mart, that shows what meds are covered. Note: They also sell many over the counter meds at the same price:
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/customer_list.pdf
Q. If I have my Kaiser meds, can I just take the bottle to WalMart, or do I need to get a written prescription?
Does that mean I have to get another Dr.s appt?
All you need is a written prescription from your Dr. 1x. I would say a Dr. visit co-pay is worth it!