新华视点丨透视医保定点药店“阴阳价”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the issue of "dual pricing" in designated pharmacies, where the same medication is sold at different prices to insured and uninsured patients, raising concerns about fairness and regulatory compliance [1][2][3]. Group 1: Instances of Dual Pricing - In Fuzhou, a medication costs 22 yuan when purchased with insurance but only 12.8 yuan when paid in cash [2]. - In Anyang, a certain injection costs 2980 yuan for insured patients and between 1350 to 1790 yuan for uninsured patients, showing a price difference of nearly 100% [2]. - In Chongqing, a cold medicine is priced at 31 yuan for insured patients and 17 yuan for uninsured patients [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Violations - The pricing discrepancies violate regulations that prohibit unfair pricing practices against insured patients [3]. - Experts assert that pharmacies should maintain uniform pricing for the same medication under identical transaction conditions, regardless of the patient's insurance status [3]. - Violations can lead to severe penalties, including the cancellation of a pharmacy's qualification for insurance billing [3]. Group 3: Reasons for Pricing Discrepancies - Designated pharmacies are expected to adhere to agreements that prevent discriminatory pricing against insured patients [4]. - Factors contributing to dual pricing include high operational costs and increased competition from online pharmacies, leading some pharmacies to exploit insurance to attract customers [4]. - The lack of effective regulatory oversight allows pharmacies to engage in dual pricing practices without detection [5]. Group 4: Solutions and Recommendations - The National Medical Insurance Administration is taking steps to enhance price management and monitor dual pricing practices more closely [6]. - Measures include potential penalties for pharmacies found engaging in dual pricing, such as suspending insurance billing and revoking service agreements [6]. - A call for improved collaboration among regulatory bodies to establish a robust monitoring mechanism and enforce penalties for pricing fraud is emphasized [6]. Group 5: Consumer Awareness - Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant and informed about insurance policies and pricing when purchasing medications [7]. - Tools such as price comparison apps are being developed to help consumers find reasonably priced medications [6].