I recently read your article titled “Utahns go after sellers over illegal price gouging.” The points made in the article were well stated. The Utah Division of Consumer Protection is a needed government agency. Price gouging on products such as eggs, hand sanitizer, N95 masks, toilet paper, etc. during a pandemic should be illegal.
My question is this: “Why do consumer protections not apply to prescription drugs?” Prescription drugs are vital to consumers all the time, not just during a pandemic. I filled a prescription recently and found various pharmacies charging a range of prices for the exact same drug with the exact same dosage and quantity. Prices ranged from $34.97 all the way up to $120.91. Really? How much profit is enough? Supply and demand? I don’t think so!
Why are prescriptions not regulated by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection? The utility companies are regulated by the Public Service Commission to protect consumers. Consumers need protection from the pharmaceutical companies and the pharmacies dispensing those products.
Scott Turley, West Jordan