kleenex Jul 21 2004, 05:00 PM (from the JK forum)
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/fee...cout520198.html
To read a nine page FREE article abstract from the Health Affairs website that will publish the full report:
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/repri...lthaff.w4.396v1
Full Version: Cutting Drug Prices Would Fix Medicare, Flaw: Anal
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Health Care > Health Care Issues Archive
cutecat Jul 21 2004, 06:25 PM
I am on medicare and it does not cover prescriptions. I just paid $750 to pharmacy for Junes Prescriptions.
I am on medicare and it does not cover prescriptions. I just paid $750 to pharmacy for Junes Prescriptions.
kleenex Jul 22 2004, 05:28 PM
Can you get on the CRAPPY medicare drug card???
QUOTE
(cutecat @ Jul 21 2004, 06:25 PM)
I am on medicare and it does not cover prescriptions. I just paid $750 to pharmacy for Junes Prescriptions.
I am on medicare and it does not cover prescriptions. I just paid $750 to pharmacy for Junes Prescriptions.
Can you get on the CRAPPY medicare drug card???
pluther Aug 9 2004, 10:49 PM
When my drug bill gets that high, which it will in 18 monghts when I go from employer paid private insurance to Medicare, I'll just have to die. I have had to move 4 times in less than 18 months so I can continue to take the meds that enable me to function. But, something terrible has just happened. I just received 3 perscriptions for my cheapest meds and the bill was $125. The same meds were $60 3 months ago, and $40 Jan. 1, 2004. I've had to cut out the meds that help the most because my Ins. co. has decided not to pay for them. They refused to pay for a drug for narcolepsy, so now I'm sleeping 24 to 36 hours at a time.
What makes me really mad is that while my co-pay has been going up, Eckerd's Mail Order has been getting their drugs cheaper. Last month they charged me $20 for something that cost them $15. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. I wanted to be very physically active with this campaign, but I'm getting sicker every day and it's making me so mad. The only thing I seem to be able to do is e-mail those lousy Republicans, and what do they care? Let The Weak Ones Die is their motto.
John Edwards has been in these trenches a long time, John Kerry has too. His work on Agent Orange has had a trickle down affect on me. I hope I live till they can turn some things around very quickly.
When my drug bill gets that high, which it will in 18 monghts when I go from employer paid private insurance to Medicare, I'll just have to die. I have had to move 4 times in less than 18 months so I can continue to take the meds that enable me to function. But, something terrible has just happened. I just received 3 perscriptions for my cheapest meds and the bill was $125. The same meds were $60 3 months ago, and $40 Jan. 1, 2004. I've had to cut out the meds that help the most because my Ins. co. has decided not to pay for them. They refused to pay for a drug for narcolepsy, so now I'm sleeping 24 to 36 hours at a time.
What makes me really mad is that while my co-pay has been going up, Eckerd's Mail Order has been getting their drugs cheaper. Last month they charged me $20 for something that cost them $15. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. I wanted to be very physically active with this campaign, but I'm getting sicker every day and it's making me so mad. The only thing I seem to be able to do is e-mail those lousy Republicans, and what do they care? Let The Weak Ones Die is their motto.
John Edwards has been in these trenches a long time, John Kerry has too. His work on Agent Orange has had a trickle down affect on me. I hope I live till they can turn some things around very quickly.
Canadian4flattax Aug 11 2004, 12:14 AM
QUOTE(pluther @ Aug 9 2004, 10:49 PM)
When my drug bill gets that high, which it will in 18 monghts when I go from employer paid private insurance to Medicare, I'll just have to die. I have had to move 4 times in less than 18 months so I can continue to take the meds that enable me to function.
I'm sort of confused pluther as in another thread you stated you're on medical disability and have been on Medicare for years.
Anyone that thinks "fixing" drug prices will save Medicare is incorrect. We need to examine utilization patterns and do some serious thinking. We need to utilize hospice much more often and sooner in the end of life process as a large percent of Medicare dollars get spent on futile tertiary services during the last year to six months of life. We need to stop putting PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy) tubes in end stage dementia patients and having tax payers pick up the bill. We need to put some responsibility back on some people, i.e. COPD'ers that have costly hospitalization secondary to exacerbation when they're still smoking!
I know few people will like me posting some real, honest, everyday things that happen with Medicare dollars everydady, but this is the truth of the matter. I mean seriously, if there's no contraindication, why do people get Plavix when ASA would work just as well (in most cases)?
Anyways, just my humble opinion.
--------------------
A democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it -- Alexis de Tocqueville
QUOTE(pluther @ Aug 9 2004, 10:49 PM)
When my drug bill gets that high, which it will in 18 monghts when I go from employer paid private insurance to Medicare, I'll just have to die. I have had to move 4 times in less than 18 months so I can continue to take the meds that enable me to function.
I'm sort of confused pluther as in another thread you stated you're on medical disability and have been on Medicare for years.
Anyone that thinks "fixing" drug prices will save Medicare is incorrect. We need to examine utilization patterns and do some serious thinking. We need to utilize hospice much more often and sooner in the end of life process as a large percent of Medicare dollars get spent on futile tertiary services during the last year to six months of life. We need to stop putting PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy) tubes in end stage dementia patients and having tax payers pick up the bill. We need to put some responsibility back on some people, i.e. COPD'ers that have costly hospitalization secondary to exacerbation when they're still smoking!
I know few people will like me posting some real, honest, everyday things that happen with Medicare dollars everydady, but this is the truth of the matter. I mean seriously, if there's no contraindication, why do people get Plavix when ASA would work just as well (in most cases)?
Anyways, just my humble opinion.
--------------------
A democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it -- Alexis de Tocqueville
Delores May Aug 12 2004, 02:15 PM
This is my question: Why should we import drugs made in the US from Canada? Isn't this because the Canadian gov. supplements the prices of drugs? There is something wrong here!
This is my question: Why should we import drugs made in the US from Canada? Isn't this because the Canadian gov. supplements the prices of drugs? There is something wrong here!
vtknows Aug 26 2004, 05:53 PM
I don't know what you have for insurance but I do know an awful lot about managed care and health insurance. There are many things you can do so that you do not have to choose which medications to continue taking and which ones you will do without. If you're interested, feel free to email me and I can give you a lot of information. Posting them all here may be too long for other readers. Are you retired? What type of income level are you at? These will affect the answers.
I don't know what you have for insurance but I do know an awful lot about managed care and health insurance. There are many things you can do so that you do not have to choose which medications to continue taking and which ones you will do without. If you're interested, feel free to email me and I can give you a lot of information. Posting them all here may be too long for other readers. Are you retired? What type of income level are you at? These will affect the answers.
kdusna84 Aug 31 2004, 11:00 PM
[I][FONT=Times[COLOR=blue]][SIZE=1]
I am an independent voter who believes that John Kerry has a strong message(though I truly think during these last two months his campaign needs to be much more assertive in explaining his position). I am also a veteran who happens to work for one of the largest health care companies in the world. My father is also a veteran, so I am very sensitive to the issues we face today in health care. I know that there are no easy answers and that it will take a collaborative effort to develop a workable solution to the challenge of providing adequate health care coverage. Incidentally, I read one comment that the law prohibits the U.S. Government from negotiating drug pricing with U.S. drug manufacturers. That's not 100% accurate. The largest managed health care organization in the world falls under the U.S. Government and they negotiate pricing with the pharmaceutical companies all the time. This organization is the Veteran's Health Administration. My company (and others) has worked hard to reach mutually beneficial agreements that have resulted in significant discounts over the years. By law the VHA is guaranteed the best discount available (in some cases, brand medications have been offered as low as $13.50/month). Now, it is true that under this current law, the government bodies that manage the Medicare are not empowered to negotiate these prices (yet). If or when that occurs, it will be a complex negotiation because by law, veterans are guaranteed the lowest price for prescription medications. I don't think that should ever change. So any discussion on pricing for Medicare must take this into consideration. It will be challenging, but know that there are those in the industry that understand a change is necessary. My own opinion is that it is a question of ensuring adequate health care coverage and access to prescription drugs for everyone who needs it (in other words, those who are uninsured or underinsured). Once we figure that out, we will be a lot better off and this whole pricing issue gets taken care of as a matter of course. But it won't be easy. This needs to be a collaborative effort, so please recognize that there are other Kerry supporters who are proud to be in the pharmaceutical industry. We know there are some things that need fixing. But it's better to have intelligent discussion rather than all this borderline inflammatory rhetoric flying back and forth. That sort of thing makes a constructive solution even more difficult to achieve.
[I][FONT=Times[COLOR=blue]][SIZE=1]
I am an independent voter who believes that John Kerry has a strong message(though I truly think during these last two months his campaign needs to be much more assertive in explaining his position). I am also a veteran who happens to work for one of the largest health care companies in the world. My father is also a veteran, so I am very sensitive to the issues we face today in health care. I know that there are no easy answers and that it will take a collaborative effort to develop a workable solution to the challenge of providing adequate health care coverage. Incidentally, I read one comment that the law prohibits the U.S. Government from negotiating drug pricing with U.S. drug manufacturers. That's not 100% accurate. The largest managed health care organization in the world falls under the U.S. Government and they negotiate pricing with the pharmaceutical companies all the time. This organization is the Veteran's Health Administration. My company (and others) has worked hard to reach mutually beneficial agreements that have resulted in significant discounts over the years. By law the VHA is guaranteed the best discount available (in some cases, brand medications have been offered as low as $13.50/month). Now, it is true that under this current law, the government bodies that manage the Medicare are not empowered to negotiate these prices (yet). If or when that occurs, it will be a complex negotiation because by law, veterans are guaranteed the lowest price for prescription medications. I don't think that should ever change. So any discussion on pricing for Medicare must take this into consideration. It will be challenging, but know that there are those in the industry that understand a change is necessary. My own opinion is that it is a question of ensuring adequate health care coverage and access to prescription drugs for everyone who needs it (in other words, those who are uninsured or underinsured). Once we figure that out, we will be a lot better off and this whole pricing issue gets taken care of as a matter of course. But it won't be easy. This needs to be a collaborative effort, so please recognize that there are other Kerry supporters who are proud to be in the pharmaceutical industry. We know there are some things that need fixing. But it's better to have intelligent discussion rather than all this borderline inflammatory rhetoric flying back and forth. That sort of thing makes a constructive solution even more difficult to achieve.
CVP Sep 1 2004, 07:52 PM
I have never given any of my patients Plavix in place of aspirin except for one pt with genuine aspirin - related GI problems.
When we accepted free samples (practice discontinued 6 years ago) I may have been tempted.
Expensive redundant drugs are usually prescribed as a result of heavy marketing to doctors.
One third of drug company costs is marketing. They spend so much on it because it works.
I have never given any of my patients Plavix in place of aspirin except for one pt with genuine aspirin - related GI problems.
When we accepted free samples (practice discontinued 6 years ago) I may have been tempted.
Expensive redundant drugs are usually prescribed as a result of heavy marketing to doctors.
One third of drug company costs is marketing. They spend so much on it because it works.
CVP Sep 2 2004, 08:06 AM
It's a reality that adding another step and another middleman (Canada) saves people purchasing drugs money.
Something is wrong with the hammerlock pharms have on the federal government.
It's a reality that adding another step and another middleman (Canada) saves people purchasing drugs money.
Something is wrong with the hammerlock pharms have on the federal government.
irving777 Sep 3 2004, 04:44 AM
From what I have heard the drug companies pay handsomely for that hammerlock and that does seem very wrong. What can be done about that?
QUOTE
(CVP @ Sep 2 2004, 09:06 AM)
It's a reality that adding another step and another middleman (Canada) saves people purchasing drugs money.
Something is wrong with the hammerlock pharms have on the federal government.
It's a reality that adding another step and another middleman (Canada) saves people purchasing drugs money.
Something is wrong with the hammerlock pharms have on the federal government.
From what I have heard the drug companies pay handsomely for that hammerlock and that does seem very wrong. What can be done about that?
poetpj Sep 3 2004, 10:59 AM
The ban is not working because people are ignoring it and five states are ignoring it. it is called a free market, something this administration claims to support unless they have a high priced lobby that has convinced them otherwise... like george says, at least he is consistent... consistently wrong, but hey, who's counting...
The ban is not working because people are ignoring it and five states are ignoring it. it is called a free market, something this administration claims to support unless they have a high priced lobby that has convinced them otherwise... like george says, at least he is consistent... consistently wrong, but hey, who's counting...
Ron Chusid Sep 25 2004, 12:54 PM (from JK forum)
Per note above, Aspirin is hardly equivalent to Plavix. I don't want people reading this board to suddenly stop their Plavix thinking that asprin would be a much less expensive substitute.
Per note above, Aspirin is hardly equivalent to Plavix. I don't want people reading this board to suddenly stop their Plavix thinking that asprin would be a much less expensive substitute.
dmluke Oct 6 2004, 06:33 PM
The ban of prescription drugs from Canada should be lifted. The Medicare savings card that "saves" seniors money, is actually limiting in what drugs are covered. These limitations result in higher overall drug costs for those that can afford it the least.
Freedom should remain at home first, for all. I fully support John Kerry and John Edwards. I am a proud Floridian voting for the Kerry/Edwards team!
The ban of prescription drugs from Canada should be lifted. The Medicare savings card that "saves" seniors money, is actually limiting in what drugs are covered. These limitations result in higher overall drug costs for those that can afford it the least.
Freedom should remain at home first, for all. I fully support John Kerry and John Edwards. I am a proud Floridian voting for the Kerry/Edwards team!
dmluke Oct 9 2004, 01:44 PM
I forgot to post the link for our local station. They did a quick comparison showing the new discount card costs users more since it is limiting.
http://health.tbo.com/health/MGA727ARKTD.html
I liked Kerry's answer last night showing one method of "saving" money by using a purchasing plan like the VA. That is thinking smart. How many of us belong to Sam's club or BJ's? The gov't should do the same where it can.
I forgot to post the link for our local station. They did a quick comparison showing the new discount card costs users more since it is limiting.
http://health.tbo.com/health/MGA727ARKTD.html
I liked Kerry's answer last night showing one method of "saving" money by using a purchasing plan like the VA. That is thinking smart. How many of us belong to Sam's club or BJ's? The gov't should do the same where it can.
Jesseaw Oct 12 2004, 04:49 PM
I'm 61 and not yet eligible for Medicare but found out that I'm eligible--and so is my immediate family through me as a senior--for the Senior Rx Discount Card through Peoples Benefit Services whose URL is www.peoplesrxcard.com. Check to see if your pharmacy is a participating provider; my pharmacy is. I'm going tomorrow to my pharmacy to ask for specific discount Rx quotes through this plan before I enroll.
Hope this helps. May Kerry/Edwards be elected in November for the good of our nation and the world.
Sincerely,
Jesseaw
QUOTE
(cutecat @ Jul 21 2004, 06:25 PM)
I am on medicare and it does not cover prescriptions. I just paid $750 to pharmacy for Junes Prescriptions.
I am on medicare and it does not cover prescriptions. I just paid $750 to pharmacy for Junes Prescriptions.
I'm 61 and not yet eligible for Medicare but found out that I'm eligible--and so is my immediate family through me as a senior--for the Senior Rx Discount Card through Peoples Benefit Services whose URL is www.peoplesrxcard.com. Check to see if your pharmacy is a participating provider; my pharmacy is. I'm going tomorrow to my pharmacy to ask for specific discount Rx quotes through this plan before I enroll.
Hope this helps. May Kerry/Edwards be elected in November for the good of our nation and the world.
Sincerely,
Jesseaw
lengould Oct 12 2004, 11:53 PM
As a Canadian. I am (somewhat more than) insulted by your president's snide comments regarding drug safety in Canada. We believe our drug testing requirements are just as stiff as the US requirements and would appreciate that critics either point out specific improvements or .... And as a member of the civilized world where every citizen is automatically guaranteed free medical treatment of their choice, though on an as-available basis for non-emergency procedures agreed, we think perhaps it may be your system designers who have a few things to learn.
As a Canadian. I am (somewhat more than) insulted by your president's snide comments regarding drug safety in Canada. We believe our drug testing requirements are just as stiff as the US requirements and would appreciate that critics either point out specific improvements or .... And as a member of the civilized world where every citizen is automatically guaranteed free medical treatment of their choice, though on an as-available basis for non-emergency procedures agreed, we think perhaps it may be your system designers who have a few things to learn.
lengould Oct 13 2004, 12:15 AM
On flu vacinations. We've always simply dropped in to our doctors office in the fall and gotten the vacinations for free. Canada's found that vacinating the entire population is far cheaper than treating complications later. I haven't heard of any shortage this year though I haven't bothered to go in yet.
On flu vacinations. We've always simply dropped in to our doctors office in the fall and gotten the vacinations for free. Canada's found that vacinating the entire population is far cheaper than treating complications later. I haven't heard of any shortage this year though I haven't bothered to go in yet.
lengould Oct 13 2004, 12:31 AM
This is Health Canada's website on flu and vaccination.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-r...cc-4/index.html
In a quick read I didn't see any concern over a shortage of vaccine and given how simple it's production is I'd be surprised if it's any issue here. And yes we do have a lot of drug research done here, there are many excellent research companys near where I live, Also ethical, as Biovail proved when they voluntarily pulled their arthritis drug even though it hurt their stock prices quite a bit.
This is Health Canada's website on flu and vaccination.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-r...cc-4/index.html
In a quick read I didn't see any concern over a shortage of vaccine and given how simple it's production is I'd be surprised if it's any issue here. And yes we do have a lot of drug research done here, there are many excellent research companys near where I live, Also ethical, as Biovail proved when they voluntarily pulled their arthritis drug even though it hurt their stock prices quite a bit.
concerned_citizen Oct 15 2004, 04:52
Here is a really good article I think you all should read.
http://www.campaignmoney.org/buyingalaw/
Here is a really good article I think you all should read.
http://www.campaignmoney.org/buyingalaw/
lengould Oct 16 2004, 10:45 PM
How can you guys allow the sort of conflicts of interest documented in the above article? In Canada, all campaign financing is provided by the government by law (so election campaigns are short and to the point), and any scandal like that would immediately trigger an investigation by the Auditor General or Parliament. We did a thorough scandal thing on the governing party simply because it was suspected that the Prime Minister had somewhat influenced the distribution of some federal regional assistance grants, about $100 million.
How can you guys allow the sort of conflicts of interest documented in the above article? In Canada, all campaign financing is provided by the government by law (so election campaigns are short and to the point), and any scandal like that would immediately trigger an investigation by the Auditor General or Parliament. We did a thorough scandal thing on the governing party simply because it was suspected that the Prime Minister had somewhat influenced the distribution of some federal regional assistance grants, about $100 million.
[quote=Kathy,Nov 9 2004, 12:24 AM]
pluther Aug 9 2004, 10:49 PM
When my drug bill gets that high, which it will in 18 monghts when I go from employer paid private insurance to Medicare, I'll just have to die. I have had to move 4 times in less than 18 months so I can continue to take the meds that enable me to function.
Hi. My first post, so I don't know if I'm doing all of this alright. If not, apologies, I will learn. Kathy, I'm so sorry you find yourself in a position that is familiar. After working hard and successfully for 0ver 30 years, my body decided to "retire." After going through lots of red tape (code word for "crap"), I now have Medicaid and Disability Social Security. Currently, my drugs which would be over $2,000 EACH MONTH are mostly being handled, but, some other treatments the doctors have had to alter since they are not covered. Still, I have found some great information that I hope helps.
1). Many companies are now providing meds at a very low cost, considering the astromonic (sp) prices that they are at the Pharmacies. Your doctor should have information through their sales reps. Many require the user to be on Medicaid/Care prior to issuing, but, it sounds like this may be timely for you.
2). Samples. I know that some doctor's feel compromised by accepting these samples, but, they have made a huge difference for me. In the gap between when my insurance was ended and Medicaid began, she literally saved my life with these drug samples.
All this said, the cost of medicines HERE still are crazy high in many cases. I know that Research and Development cost a bundle, but, with record profits each year for many companies in this sector, stop already! Also, the whole debate whether Canadian meds are "safe." Hmmm.... isn't Drug X here made by the same company in Canada. I can't believe that a thousand lawyers wouldn't have filed suit for copyright infringement the moment that someone else used the name "CashCow-ium" or whatever. Safe is safe. Same for drugs in many other countries. Ours is the most extreme.
But, Kathy, DON'T GIVE UP! Even though our "selected" officials are back again, there's still many good people out there. And, I am sure that Kerry, Edwards and a lot of other well placed people will go to the mat for those of us that need them.
Good luck! Vincent54
pluther Aug 9 2004, 10:49 PM
When my drug bill gets that high, which it will in 18 monghts when I go from employer paid private insurance to Medicare, I'll just have to die. I have had to move 4 times in less than 18 months so I can continue to take the meds that enable me to function.
Hi. My first post, so I don't know if I'm doing all of this alright. If not, apologies, I will learn. Kathy, I'm so sorry you find yourself in a position that is familiar. After working hard and successfully for 0ver 30 years, my body decided to "retire." After going through lots of red tape (code word for "crap"), I now have Medicaid and Disability Social Security. Currently, my drugs which would be over $2,000 EACH MONTH are mostly being handled, but, some other treatments the doctors have had to alter since they are not covered. Still, I have found some great information that I hope helps.1). Many companies are now providing meds at a very low cost, considering the astromonic (sp) prices that they are at the Pharmacies. Your doctor should have information through their sales reps. Many require the user to be on Medicaid/Care prior to issuing, but, it sounds like this may be timely for you.
2). Samples. I know that some doctor's feel compromised by accepting these samples, but, they have made a huge difference for me. In the gap between when my insurance was ended and Medicaid began, she literally saved my life with these drug samples.
All this said, the cost of medicines HERE still are crazy high in many cases. I know that Research and Development cost a bundle, but, with record profits each year for many companies in this sector, stop already! Also, the whole debate whether Canadian meds are "safe." Hmmm.... isn't Drug X here made by the same company in Canada. I can't believe that a thousand lawyers wouldn't have filed suit for copyright infringement the moment that someone else used the name "CashCow-ium" or whatever. Safe is safe. Same for drugs in many other countries. Ours is the most extreme.
But, Kathy, DON'T GIVE UP! Even though our "selected" officials are back again, there's still many good people out there. And, I am sure that Kerry, Edwards and a lot of other well placed people will go to the mat for those of us that need them.
Good luck! Vincent54
One place I'm told you can get prescription drugs for free are through programs offered specifically through the manufacturers. You can find out more about this at:
http://www.phrma.org/
Try going to Google.com and searching with the words "prescription drugs assistance"
http://www.phrma.org/
Try going to Google.com and searching with the words "prescription drugs assistance"
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