Caveat Emptor

I found something out yesterday. My health insurance sucks. Unlike many in George Bush's America, I do have health insurance. And I pay a lot of money for it each month. I pay more every year and get less and less in return.

My son was diagnosed with Mono. He was prescribed steroids because his tonsils are swollen to the point where one is connected to his uvula. The doctor wrote the prescription and I was about to take it to our local Duane Reade to be filled when my wife called.

"Take it to Duane Reade, but don't put it on the insurance," said she. "It's $21.00 to fill. Steroids are cheap." "Why wouldn't I put it on the insurance?" I asked.

"Because the co-pay for prescriptions is $25."

"So?" I replied.

"I don't want to pay $25 when we can pay less," said the wife wisley.

"Why would we pay $25 when it only costs $21?" I asked

"Because that's how the insurance company and drug stores work. Put it on the insurance, pay the deductible and the drug store keeps the rest," my wife told me.

"Damn! Is that legal?" (If there's any lawyers reading this, I'd like to know the answer.)

So, since my car is in the shop getting repaired from the Thanksgiving side swipe, I proceeded to walk to Duane Reade. On my way I came to Rite Aid. I decided to see how much they would charge for the same prescription. "$10.99" I was told.

Buyer beware.