But why should it cost more to co-pay than to just pay? That’s nuts.
Because insurance gives weird incentives. And they have to make you think, “If I lose my insurance this medicine will cost me $900 a month.” But your $xx co-pay is more than enough to cover your self pay price.
So the insurance company looks helpful.
The pharmacy makes out better (in many cases) .
You think you got good value from your insurance, so you keep it.
All the time you are shooting your self in both feet.
It is a con game of sorts. With several players.
Customer/patient is the victim.