We currently use a local pharmacy that will bubble pack all her meds and supplements together, even physicial samples. We had to do that because of many problems with her current facility's pharmacy - a different one to the new facility - and also because of many of her meds going missing and others being ordered that were specifically requested not to be ordered that her insurance does not cover and we are left holding the bill for. The current, local pharmacy is great and we don't want to change but can't afford the $400 per month outside pharmacy fee. How can this be legal? Any advice?
'her current facility's pharmacy - a different one to the new facility "
Is she in the new facility now?
Wherever she is, you should check the admission papers to see if the facility has the right to choose the pharmacy, which I suspect it does. It may get some kind of discount, then kick up the price for direct pay by the patient's family.
If you or someone else has agreed to this authority under the admission papers, you could try to address the issue and concern with the admissions staff.
I wouldn't waste too much time with AARP; I haven't found it to be very helpful in addressing issues. Legal aid can offer advice, but you might want to consider contacting the nursing home/care ombudsperson for your area. There are some legal firms that specialize in nursing home intervention, but you'll pay probably at least $250 to $300 an hour.
The only other leverage I can think of would be to find an alternative nursing home and advise that if you can't negotiate something on the med issue that you'll take your mother there (assuming they have openings). You know the old saying: Money talks. If they know they'll lose a client, they might be more flexible.
But frankly, the nurses or someone SHOULD BE verifying every bubble pack as to dosage and strength. I would think that goes without saying.
The $14 a day sounds reasonable so that your Mom can use her own pharmacy. Pills are usually handed out twice a day.
As for it being illegal.... would you say the same about a hospital that uses it's own pharmacy for patient meds? One cannot bring in meds from the outside.
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