I has just moved up to the Bonney Lake area, so I recently switched eye doctors to the Bonney Lake Optical location. I had been seen for my annual eye exam about two months ago. I didn't need any contacts at the time, so I didn't place an order then. My exam was covered in full through my insurance.
I just called early January to place an order for my contacts since I was now out.
My insurance covers $120 worth of contact lenses. Typically my contact lenses (CIBA Focus Night and Day) cost $45/box. I get one box for each eye. Each box has 6 lenses, so it lasts me for 6 months. So - for a 6 month supply for both eyes, it is typically $90. When I went to pick the lenses up, I ended up with a balance due. Part was for the contact lens exam that they said they had to put through since I was ordering contacts now (weird, but ok, I understand that part) and the remaining was for $180 worth of contact lenses. I told them that must be a 12 month supply of lenses, as that is about double the cost of a 6 months supply. They insisted it was only for the two boxes, the six month supply.
My insurance covers $120 of the $180 price, but it left me with a $60 balance for my contact lenses. If I had got a full year's supply, this would be totally understandable - but I only got a 6 month supply. I asked over and over again if they were for sure correct on the price, as I could go anywhere else and pay half that price. They insisted the price is $90 per box of contacts, and that they couldn't even buy the contacts for $45/box. So - I grudgingly paid the bill and took my contacts.
But, once I got home, I confirmed online that anywhere else I looked they were approximately $45 and under per box. I couldn't even find a price of $90 per box ANYWHERE. My ultimate summary of this is, I believe they ordered a 12 month supply for me, billed my insurance for the full years worth - $180 (my insurance paid $120), then they billed me the $60 balance. I have called and tried to ask them about this again, and they insist they are correct.
I am working through a claim through my vision insurance as I truly feel this is inaccurate. I certainly understand mark up and I certainly understand they need to make a profit as well - but to charge double any retail prices? I really think they made an error and are either not willing to admit to it, or they truly are fradulent. I am not sure what else to do to prove my point, and to prove my account.
Any suggestions are welcome.
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