Small-Town Pharmacists Closing Doors

Huge addendum below.

Another victim of the Bush administration.

Jesus H Christ with a skin disease, but Bush is destroying so many lives....

I really can't say what I think about all this.

After nearly 25 years as the proud owner of Home Town Drugs and Gifts in Sweet Home, Ore., Dave Redding closed down this summer, joining a growing trend among small-town pharmacists.

Competition from mail-order pharmacies and larger retailers played a role in his decision. So did the long hours that came from running a business.

But Redden, 62, said one factor, the Medicare drug benefit, outweighed them all.

Before the benefit started on Jan. 1, 2006, many of his customers paid cash. Under the new system, private insurance plans pick up much of the tab. That was good news for the customers; not so for Redden.

The insurers used their considerable clout to demand bigger discounts. Plus, they did not have to pay Redden right away. The pharmacist said he often waited months for insurance plans to reimburse him.

Huge addendum: I worked for one of the best insurance companies in the US. It was an exceptional company to work for. They provided excellent customer service and advice until one filed a claim. Note that I said claim and not a couple claims.

Once one filed a claim they were canceled. The claim was paid without any hassle, but the next day their policy was canceled.

I have no sympathy for insurance providers.

Via USNews.