Letter: Walgreens didn't gouge that customer

I find issues with the recent viewpoint of staff writer Laurie Roberts in her article, "Why does Walgreens charge 1,237 percent more than Costco?"

Ms. Roberts states the surprise in the wife of a recently diagnosed Alzheimer's patient having to pay a cash price of $198.80 for medication at Walgreens rather than $14.87 at Costco. The husband, though on Medicare, opted not to have a prescription drug coverage plan.

Why would anyone do this, since the drug coverage is typically pennies on the dollar compared to the usual Medicare monthly coverage for $104, and for many plans $0 cost and copay? There is no justice in calling "foul" for a lack of judgment and personal responsibility.

There was no "gouging" by Walgreens - it is a retail business, whereby Costco is not. Further, those belonging to an insured group should reap a reduced rate because of collective purchasing power. If one doesn't pay into the pool, with some members reaping multiple benefits and others seldom making a claim, why should you not pay a higher price?

This is the whole premise behind any insurance offering. There is greater safety in the pack than as a lone wolf.

— Joel Zachry, Kingston, Tennessee