NYT: How Chaos at Chain Pharmacies Is Putting Patients at Risk

[murielm99]

1. I filled my prescriptions at Shopko,

and had no complaints. They knew me and were great. My Medicare D plan worked well there. Then they closed.

Then I had to transfer to Walgreens. They have one pharmacist on duty and about half a dozen pharmacist's assistants. The lines are long. Their tempers are often frayed. They made a mistake with one of my medications once.

When I could change my plan, I switched to the small pharmacy in my community of 2,500. It was the best plan. I am saving about $150.00 a year. The pharmacist's assistant there is someone I knew as she was growing up. I never have to wait in long lines, like Walgreens.

I don't know if I can get my flu shot there, and I am due for another pneumonia shot. I may have to go back to Walgreens for those.

People can go to their local senior centers and get help comparing Medicare D plans. Please do this if you can. Often, the small pharmacies offer better service for everyone. They know their customers.