Overcharging on medical aid rates

I had knee surgery in August and required crutches when I left the day clinic. These were ordered and I received a bill a month later in the amount of R718-20. I am only a hospital plan and found out that they do not cover crutches, only the procedure that was done. I queried the supplier of the crutches, because the very same pair costs R159 at Dischem. This means that it is almost 6 times (R559-20 more) than the retail cost and Dischem is making a profit. I queried this and have received the following response from JPW Engelbrecht O&P this morning:<br> <br> Good Morning<br> <br> The cost of crutches on medical aid rates are R718.20 we are contracted with them and asked what they give us on the price list, please see below from the price list<br> <br> 59021 ORTHOPAEDIC SUPPLIERS 3 4 Mobility aid Walking aid QPSA-014 505073*001 OS CRUTCH ELBOW (BLUE) SINGLE ADJUSTABLE 718.20 <br> <br> Medical plans cost an arm and a leg and then suppliers overcharge. I would like an answer from the suppliers as to how than can justify this pricing.<br> <br> I was also not informed by Medgate Day Clinic that this was going to be the cost of the crutches.