Just got back from a jaunt to CVS. Elated about my $9 coupon for anything at CVS, I grabbed some conditioner, some mouthwash (I know, really exciting stuff here) before heading to the pharmacy for three of my presciptions.

My favorite curly-haired pharmacist was checking me out (I’m a regular) and we joked about past visits.

“I’ve decided that the next time there’s a lapse in coverage and my allergy medications are not covered, I’m just going to stop breathing. In the end, it’s really much cheaper.”

The woman behind me laughs, a recurring soundtrack to mi vida loca.

Meanwhile, I’m pissed that there’s some old lady behind me and I can’t hang with my pharmacy pal so I head out after paying the exorbitant fees. Wow, the price of dishwashing gloves has really gone up.

When I get home and fish the receipt out of my pocket (why didn’t I look earlier?), I realize that one of my medications cost $114.90 after the co-pay. A medication with no generic brand and no substitute in sight.

I hate you Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. I. Hate. You.