Pharmaceutical companies and old people.

Today I was in CVS behind an older man--probably late 70's--who was trying to fill a prescription for eye drops and the clerk ran his insurance through and then came back and told him the prescription company was delaying paying for the medicine until they got a report from the doctor.  If he needed it, he would have to pay full price--$232--and IF the prescription company approved it, he would be refunded most of that.  And that could take up to 14 days.  So he tried to use his credit card and it was declined.  And then he wrote a check, saying the $232 was HALF of his Social Security.  The clerk did suggest he call his doctor to see if he could get samples and he told her the doctor was out of the office.  So I have a few observations:

1.  How does any company justify $232 for eyedrops?   I mean the drug company or CVS.

2.  Why does the doctor write a prescription that is going to cost $232?

3.  Where is this stupid Obamacare now?   It was certainly not helping this man.

4. People need to be able to tell people where to get help if they need it.  I felt inadequate.  I wish I had an extra $232.  I wish I knew if he could have gotten it cheaper and how.  I wish one of these pharmacy clerks had a magic answer as how to get it cheaper but since they can't make change for a dollar I doubt that is going to happen.  I wish the pharmacist had suggested something over the counter that would have lasted til Monday.  I wish, wish, wish.

5.  Who the heck is this prescription company to question something a DOCTOR thinks this man needed?  They don't question when they get their premium but when it comes time to pay out they don't call the doctor, they in effect call their lawyers to see how they can NOT pay.

6.  What beyond this $232 did this cost that man today?  His pride possibly, having his card declined in front of me.  I wasn't eavesdropping...I was behind him and they were talking loudly.  And I have to wonder if he has gas in his car and groceries in his house.  And if he had $232 in his bank account.

What the hell...at least he has gold in his eyes!!