Alternative price point
A near miss… the storm that was heading my forecast list, this time yesterday, never showed. By dawn, the warning was over. Maybe someone had an itchy finger and the posting was just a result of an over-active imagination.
My health care model depends on the local pharmacy. Some things (like very special eye drops) cannot be prepared in my kitchen; the doctor suggests, the industry provides and I pay. Thankfully, there’s insurance for the eventualities.
Of course, my recent career change has upset the “easy” model, and today I joined my neighbours in the public regime. Not really sure if it’s reasonably priced; doesn’t matter, because I don’t have any other option.
Anyhow, I prepared myself for the initial visit to my local pharmacist. That involved learning the name of the government plan. No catchy branding here. At the counter, I politely explained that my previous insurance coverage was no longer in force, showed my fancy Sunshine Card that identifies me as a full member of the public and waited.
After a reasonable delay while the pharmacist verified stocks, I learned that one of my Name eye drops should be replaced by the equivalent (I hope) generic no-name variety. Or, I could pay the $35 extra fee, not covered by the government insurance, to maintain Brand loyalty.
Makes me think. For the last few years, a generic alternative was never even suggested, given that my premiums for commercial coverage had been paid. Somebody got richer on what I dropped on my lower eyelid. Or in. Or under. Eye drops aren’t like other drugs.
