Many people refilling prescriptions during the coronavirus pandemic have faced sudden sticker shock. Patients with regular prescriptions typically get a three-month supply, but many pharmacies are currently only doling out 30 days of a medicine at a time.
And for those on fixed incomes, the additional dispensing fees are quickly adding up. “It’s costing us an extra $300 to $400 a year just in dispensing fees alone.
The only people making money are the pharmacists,” said Kelowna senior Jim Jones, adding that he lives on a fixed income of CPP and old age security. “So you’re supposed to keep your distance, yet you have to go to the drug store every month to get your prescriptions,” he said.