Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the issue of "dual pricing" in the healthcare system, where retail pharmacies charge higher prices for the same medication to patients using health insurance compared to those paying cash, undermining trust in the insurance system [1][6]. Group 1: Regulatory Response - The National Healthcare Security Administration issued a notification to strengthen monitoring and handling of "dual pricing" practices in retail pharmacies, emphasizing that such discriminatory pricing violates service agreements [1][9]. - The notification proposes a multi-faceted approach combining technical monitoring, law enforcement, and public supervision to address the issue effectively [1][6]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The phenomenon of "dual pricing" has evolved from simple price discrepancies to more complex hidden operations, influenced by regulatory loopholes and cost pressures faced by pharmacies [2][3]. - Common violations include charging higher prices for the same medication under insurance, splitting medication packages to increase costs, and requiring membership for discounted pricing [3][4]. Group 3: Impact on Patients and Trust - The "dual pricing" issue particularly affects patients with chronic illnesses, increasing their medication costs and leading to hidden losses in the healthcare fund [6][10]. - Patients often lack awareness of the price differences due to insufficient price transparency in pharmacies, with only about 30% of pharmacies displaying both insurance and cash prices [3][9]. Group 4: Enforcement and Monitoring - The notification outlines strict penalties for pharmacies violating pricing agreements, including potential suspension of insurance payments and public exposure of non-compliant pharmacies [9][10]. - A price comparison app has been introduced in 29 provinces to help patients compare medication prices and avoid overpaying due to information asymmetry [9][10]. Group 5: Financial Considerations for Pharmacies - Pharmacies face significant financial pressures due to delayed reimbursements from insurance, which can take one to two months, leading them to adopt "dual pricing" as a coping mechanism [3][10]. - Initiatives to shorten reimbursement cycles have shown a reduction in "dual pricing" occurrences, indicating that financial incentives can help align pharmacy practices with regulatory expectations [10].