This week we wanted to give a quick review of what is good, and what is not so good about the CVS Health Savings Pass. The Health Savings Pass offered by CVS is there pharmacy loyalty program and attempt to compete with the big box stores (Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, Costco, etc.) lower priced generic medications. There are a differences in their program, and we’ve identified the Pro’s and Con’s. Here’s what we found: Pros: – Over 7,000 stores to choose from and growing – Information is available at any of stores for added convenience – Added discounts of 10% on your annual flu shot, and visits to “Minute Clinic” nurse practitioners for those without insurance Cons: -Generic priced drugs on this list can be found at several other retailers for less money -$15.00 enrollment fee -Exclusion of anyone with … Continue reading
-by Michael Rea, PharmD For most items purchased in retail stores, there is generally a suggested retail price that is a sort of benchmark, and variations from this price are small. Take toothpaste for example. It may be $3.30 a tube at one location, say Walmart, and $3.69 at another like Target. Generally speaking, however, it is at a roughly stable pricing point. This is due in large part to the transparency of the product from one store to the next. If the consumer sees a large price difference, they are typically turned off by that store and may begin shopping somewhere else. Retail stores know this, and although price differences exist, they are typically within a small range from one store to the next. When we look at pharmacy, it is a whole different ballgame! Most pharmacies routinely … Continue reading
Flu shots will be available in 2011 with more convenience than ever. They are likely available within your place of work, grocery store, pharmacy, doctors office or hospital just to name a few. We wanted to give you the breakdown on pricing and availability at all of the pharmacies would could as soon as the information is available to help ease your shopping for this years seasonal flu shot. If you have insurance of any kind that covers the cost of a flu shot, prices will likely be less and in many cases free of charge. More and more insurance companies are doing this each year, so be sure to check. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) money can also be used to cover immunization costs. Store Price … Continue reading
