OT Kaiser triples drug expense for members

Just received Kaiser Permanente's schedule of payments for 2006 and noticed
all drug coverage co-payments will be for 30 days supply instead of 90 days.
Looks like they snuck one in there while we weren't looking. Are there any
better alternatives?

Chuck

"Chuck Olson" <chuckolson01@REMOVETHIScomcast.net> wrote in message
news:HvOdncD945GpwQ7eRVn-qw@comcast.com...[color=blue]
> Just received Kaiser Permanente's schedule of payments for 2006 and
> noticed
> all drug coverage co-payments will be for 30 days supply instead of 90
> days.
> Looks like they snuck one in there while we weren't looking. Are there any
> better alternatives?
>
> Chuck
>[/color]
Not sure if that is Kaiser Permanente's fault. It may be your employer who
wants to reduce their insurance costs. Most insurance companies and HMO's
will tailor the plan for the employer in order to achieve certain cost
targets. The cost to the employer is based on actuarial (statistical) claims
vs. the price paid, so the fewer the benefits, the less it costs the
employer. Of course, medical costs keep rising, so often times benefits
would need to be cut for premiums to remain the same as last year.

However, make sure that there is not a mail-order alternative available with
your medical plan. Many insurance companies require (or offer incentives) to
members to use the mail order pharmacy for anything beyond a 30 day supply.