If you examine how things work with these AARP endorsed plans, you will find they have the same goal as any other: make a profit, and that profit comes from us. They don't make that profit through decisions that cost them money. I just stopped at Walgreens to pick up a prescription for an infected ear drum. I was informed by the pharmacist that it was on hold for "prior authorization" by my AARP/Medicare Rx Walgreens plan. I could expect a 72 hour hold, and even then they might not approve it. Can you get any more INSTRUSIVE into your care than that? In the meantime, the infection can spread. I asked who was holding it up since it was a Walgreens policy, and couldn't he do anything about it? He informed me that they have nothing to do with the insurance. Are they simply the location where AARP insurance partner, United Health Care, steers customers for the biggest profit sharing deals between them? I got home to a notice that as of Jan 1, United Health Care would be doubling what I pay for one of my daily meds. It's not like they paid a whole lot in the first place. Let's face it - If we're all buying into the 'AARP' label thinking we're getting an ally in our insurance dealings, we've all got another think coming. It's just marketing, and we're the targets. Thankfully, I've still got a week until the DEC 7 deadline to change insurers. They may not be any better, but I'll feel better not rewarding the three parties involved in this decision.
