Business ProfileforBirdi, Inc

Context/Background:There is a current nationwide shortage of generic Vyvanse as listed on the *** drug shortage website. Although name-brand Vyvanse is not listed as in shortage on this website, none of the 15 local pharmacies within a 20 mile radius of my home had any ADHD medication in-stock. In April, Birdi Pharmacy had been the only pharmacy I found that had name-brand Vyvanse in stock. My prescription insurance agreed to cover the cost of Vyvanse at $150 for 3 months so long as "Dispense as Written code 8" (DAW 8) was also on the prescription (Rx), otherwise, the co-pay was $500. After a few phone calls with Birdi, my insurance, and physician, Birdi was able to fill the Rx for $150.This month (July), my physician wrote a new 3-month Rx to Birdi with DAW 8 in the notes to pharmacy. Birdi submitted the claim to my insurance with DAW 1 and the cost was around $500. I called Birdi to ask what needed to be done so the Rx can be processed as DAW 8 like last time; however, a Birdi pharmacy tech stated that the pharmacy manager implemented a new policy prohibiting Rxs with DAW 8 due to the shortage. They would; however, fill the Rx with DAW 1 for $500. Otherwise, I would have to go to a different pharmacy.Executive Summary:The implementation of a policy that prohibits the "cheaper" DAW Rx codes but honors the more expensive DAW Rx codes on habit-forming medications that are in shortage nationwide is greedy, unethical, and puts an unfair financial strain on low-income individuals with ADHD. This policy is particularly hurtful due to already increasing cost of living nationwide and the years long stimulant medication shortage. Given Vyvanse is a habit-forming medication, Birdi is knowingly exploiting their patients by prohibiting valid, lower co-pay, Rxs that insurance plans are willing to cover. This seems to be a policy based purely in greed and has a direct negative impact on consumers.