EDMONTON- Some consumers are upset over the Alberta College of Pharmacists’ decision to put an end to inducements on drugs and professional services.
On Thursday, the college announced Alberta pharmacies will no longer be allowed to accept loyalty points or rewards cards when selling drug prescriptions.
The college says too many people are making decisions on when and where to fill prescriptions based on the points they can earn, and in some cases, people are delaying getting their prescriptions filled.
However, the move has some consumers upset. Some who have chronic illnesses and hefty prescription drug bills say they rely on those bonus points.
“We actually use (Air Miles) to pay for gifts for people too, at certain times when budgets aren’t great,” explained Julie Robinson whose husband has Crohn’s disease.
Because his medications cost their family $4,000 every six weeks, Robinson’s husband is currently working two jobs to help pay the bills.
“The Air Miles is the only benefit, the only little perk that he gets,” Robinson said.
Gennifer Mackenzie is on Alberta Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and struggles with a chronic illness. She pays thousands of dollars in prescription drug bills every month. Mackenzie says she uses the Air Miles she earns to provide for her family.
“I use them for groceries, for birthday presents, my daughter. I don’t have a lot of money and it makes it so she can have a great birthday,” she said. “You’d be amazed at what you can get.”
Both women disagree with the notion that offering reward points persuades consumers to go to one pharmacy over another.
“The points are not influencing our decision to go to a better pharmacist,” Robinson said. “We are educated and we can make good decisions on where we get our medical advice, and so we feel it’s very unfair and patronizing for the College of Pharmacists to do this.”
“There’s lots of pharmacies I can go to, of course. But it’s the one I choose because these people know me, I walk in (and they say) ‘Hi Genn.’ They know who I am and they care about me,” added Mackenzie.
It’s not yet known when the ban on loyalty cards will go into effect, but the Alberta College of Pharmacists believe it will happen in the next six to 12 months.
With files from Julie Matthews.
Follow @CaleyRamsay
Comments