I’m 76, using Medicare. My
new doctor wants me to get another pneumonia vaccine even though I had one with
my old doctor some years ago.
I went to
my usual independent pharmacy today to see if I could get it there. The
pharmacist said that the cost would be $279. She said that my Part D insurance
doesn’t cover that vaccine, and this pharmacy doesn’t have a contract that
covers the vaccine under Part B. However, I could try going to a chain pharmacy
and see if their contract under Part B would cover it.
This is the
first time I’ve had any problem with coverage. Why should it make a difference
what pharmacy I get the vaccine at? Why do the chains have a contract with
Medicare Part B for coverage for this vaccine, but not this independent
pharmacy?
My pharmacy
has the best customer service. They call if I’ve forgotten to get refills for
my regular medications. They keep track of when prescriptions expire and will
call my doctor to get new ones. My local chain pharmacy has never done any of
this.
What about
yours? Do you have an independent pharmacy near you? Does your local chain pharmacy provide good service?
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I’m
participating in the 12th annual Slice of Life Challenge over at Two
Writing Teachers. This is day 1 of the 31-day
challenge. It’s not too late to make space for daily writing in a
community that is encouraging, enthusiastic, and eager to read what you have to
slice about. Join in!
