DOES THIS MAKE SENSE ??? … it sure does to the powerful Drug and Insurance industries !
In 2000 I had a bad case of acid reflux and underwent an operation to correct it. That really seemed to cure the problem but about 6 months ago I started to feel a choking sensation in my throat and my Doctor recommended an esophageal barium swallow xray. The result is that there in no obstruction but acid is coming back up from my stomach mimicking the closed throat sensation.
Long story short my Doctor prescribed Omeprazole (which is the generic for Prilosec). He called the RX in to Walmart and I went there today to get it. I almost passed out when the girl gave it to me because the charge was $86 and change ! “Wait a minute,” I said, “I can get it over the counter for about a quarter of that”… to which the girl replied that it was called in by a Dr. so it had to be charged at the PRESCRIPTION PRICE and evidently my insurance wouldn’t pay for it.
Now, the interesting thing is that I did a lot of research when Medicare D (the prescription drug program) came out and decided that it was way too costly for the few meds I’m on … even with the sneaky little scare tactic that the Insurance companies put in where I’ll be charged a hefty late enrollment penalty if I ever decide to join. I opted to not have any drug insurance coverage … so, of course this prescription charge wasn’t covered.
Well I’m sure you can guess the rest. I refused to take the Dr. ordered pills and, instead, bought the exact same OTC meds and the total cost was less than $20. What this boils down to is that those with drug coverage will gladly pay the 20% that‘s not covered (around $18) … feeling secure in the fact that the medication has been prescribed by their Doctor… never realizing that the price has been inflated so that the drug and insurance companies receive a larger cut.
This is just a small example of how the mega drug and insurance companies work together and the “little guy” is, once again, left paying the bill … literally ! It would be very interesting to research this and to find out how many other medications fit into this scenario.
posted by Ginnie at 11:40 AM
15 Comments:
I know some would argue with me, but I figure the reason the Obamacare law came into being is because the drug companies approved it.
The law would never have made it without the drug companies, as Hillary discovered when she tried to get a Health Care Law passed without them.
I too am struggling with large prescription drug bills. I have health insurace which covers some of my costs. I can't imagine what the drug bills would look like without it.
Clever you to have found an alternative. I take Pantoprazole which is the generic for protonix.
Dianne
Although it may be a naughty word, I think that some regulation might be in order. That sort of thing should not happen.
My Doctor would have told me. That's just how he is. He's VERY,VERY good at trying to save his patients money.
And if he has samples, he gives out plenty.
If a there is a prescription that my insurance doesn't cover or will only cover part of, he'll figure something else out.
You were smart Ginnie. I would have done the same thing and then had a long talk with the doctor next time I saw him.
Love Di ♥
It is so ridiculous what greed does to the rest of us.
That is so ridiculous - but then this country is run by BIG business, and drug companies are BIG business.
Sometimes some of us have to pay a lot for some meds... I was on Mepron for 3 months, my medicare Rx would not cover it, it was $1,263 for one bottle, one month's worth. I paid it, and I have to say it was worth the cost to be able to go back to bed and sleep at night. But many Lymes treatments are considered "experimental" and so are not covered.
Our health care system is so primative compared to other countries. Go ahead and yell socialism, but some of it works when greed gets the upper hand.
Ginnie--I heard something yesterday that perfectly explains the nonsense you have described.
Health decisions in the U.S. are not made by health POLICY experts, but by health advocates.
Drug companies have ruled for a very long time, and are followed close by insurance companies.
No, it doesn't make sense--but then nonsense decision makers are in charge.
There are some people who think a drug is beneficial only if it requires a prescription! Look at Claritin...the ONLY drug that would help people's hay fever. When that went generic, they found they needed Zyrtec. When that went generic they needed Allegra. Now that it's generic I have no idea what the public will demand.
And don't get me started on what direct advertising has done to unnecessary prescriptions and the price of drugs. Grrrh!
Ginnie, it seems many folks think that doctor-prescribed meds make them work better, even at such inflated costs. Good for you on finding the less costly alternative. OTC meds can be identical or very similar at far less $$.
It makes my blood boil!! I had the same problem with a pill prescribed by my doc before a med. procedure. I found out I could have bought it over the counter for a tiny fraction of the cost!! Never again.
Hello Ginnie,
Doctors in the modern days are here not to serve the public but to make money. Whatever they prescribe they get a cut from the medical companies apart from the gifts and other perks.
The price of medicines are skyrocketing and the government is not doing anything to control the prices. I recently saw an advertisement which said something like this. It was written in Malayalam language, which is my mother tongue.
PEOPLE DIE NOT BECAUSE OF THEIR SICKNESS BUT BECAUSE OF THE SHOCK THEY GET ON SEEING THE PRICES OF MEDICINES.
Best wishes,
Joseph
Ginnie, have you tried Medco? We use it and get drugs at greatly reduced rates. Tell your doctor what happened so he/she is aware of the rip off.
Until health care addresses the pharmaceutical problem they'll never reduce costs except on the backs of those who buy the medicines.
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