My insurer (Kaiser Permanente WA) says that I cannot fill my prescriptions at my local pharmacy/they won’t count it toward my deductible. Also won’t count other medical visits. Seems scammy to me?

Kaiser Permanente WA says that if I fill my prescription elsewhere they won't count it toward my deductible.

Cost to fill my prescriptions at the local pharmacy is 26% lower than the Kaiser Permanente pharmacy price. I had to call the KP pharmacy and make them quote the entire prescription to get a price. They were rather miffed when I didn't fill it immediately.

I was able to get this out of Member Services:

All drugs, supplies and devices must be obtained at a KFHPWA-designated pharmacy except for drugs dispensed for Emergency services or for Emergency services obtained outside of the KFHPWA Service Area, including out of the country. After the first fill, maintenance drugs are required to be filled at a KFHPWA Clinic or through KFHPWA mail order. Information regarding KFHPWA-designated pharmacies is reflected in the KFHPWA Provider Directory or can be obtained by contacting Kaiser Permanente Member Services.

They also don't want to count my out of network medical consultation to get my prescription in the first place toward my deductible.

This really feels like a scam.

The impression I am getting is that they have designed this system so as to take $1000/mth from us, plus make 25% on our prescriptions and charge us extra for any doctor's visits, but also ensure we never hit the deductible so they pocket the whole shebang.

I'm new to the US. I do not understand how any of this can be legal. Even if you dispense with the concept of universal healthcare and look at it as commerce, it is not in any way legitimate commerce.

submitted by /u/geekaz01d
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