Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. Prior to moving to this area, my husband and I had our prescriptions filled at a pharmacy that offered a program for the purchase of generic drugs. The cost for us was $5.00 for 30 day supply and $10.00 for a 90 day supply. We now live in a 55 years and over community and the management here recommended a pharmacy that is just around the corner. I took his recommendation and gave them a call. I was relieved when the employee at the new pharmacy assured me that they would honor the generic cost program we had at our previous pharmacy, so we transferred all of our medications to be filled to them. The first month I was billed $49.63. The second month I was billed $257.00. I called because of the big difference in the amount and when they checked my account, realized that an error was made and adjusted the bill so I was only charged $105.22. Now this month I received a bill for $251.23. I called again and they are claiming they never received my check for the last month of $105.22. I told him that I have the cancelled check so he finally checked with his bank and realized that I did pay last month. I’m concerned that other people, who may not be questioning their bill, are being overcharged by this pharmacy. It does not seem like they have very accurate accounting practices. My husband and I live in a senior citizen apartment complex that is operated by HUD and a lot of the people that live here use this same pharmacy because it is so close. None of us can afford nor want to be ripped off. What can we do? D.O., Fairless Hills
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A. First of all, Bucks County Consumer Protection wishes to remind consumers how important it is to always go over their statements, before they pay, to make sure they aren’t being charged incorrectly. Secondly, consumers should also “shop around” to make sure they are getting the best price on their prescriptions because, just like anything else you purchase, prescription prices can vary from place to place.
Finally, we recommend doing exactly what you have done; pay attention and ask questions.
For additional educational, consumer brochures and information, please visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerTips
