My first reaction is that this is an advertisement for Amazon Pharmacy. I am not upset by that, but it steps on the toes of so many other potential entrants: GoodRx, Cuban Cost Plus, and likely others. My second observation is that this is a simplistic view of the process. Of course, you should check the cash price, as it is sometimes lower. But, (and this is a huge) it is also spending outside one’s detectable, which may have implications at other times in the year.
So you purchase one medication every 30 or 90 days, sure, this example works. But let’s say you are in June and suddenly have a medication that is not less for cash price, or maybe is slightly more, but you know you will have to buy it several times. In that case, it is likely better to pay the higher price, since if you take the cash price, you will have to pay it repeatedly.
One factor that negates what I just said is whether your plan will reimburse you for cash claims you file. In most health plans, this is still an option, but the reimbursement doesn’t apply to the deductible, and of course, you have to collect receipts and process them for approval. Truly a hassle.
My point is that if the idea is to get ahead, it is next to impossible unless you are on limited medications and only buy them sporadically.
Which leads me back to my original point. There is no simple explanation for all users, and I have not even begun discussing Medicare, Medicaid, and TriCare.
I suggest that any such infographic is a fool’s errand. Best to stay out of the middle of it, as each individual is so different. But if there is universal advice, it is to learn your plan, talk to your pharmacist, and understand that circumstances change based on the time of year and future purchases.
