ACA Rant: Perscription drug costs

[nimdabew]

I have skin problems for those that do not know me. Psoriasis is my main bitch about my immune system, but I keep it in very tight and well maintained control with a topical steroid called clobetasol. This drug has been around for at least a decade when I first started using it back in 2005/2006ish. Fast forward to 2010 when I was insured through Group Health through my employee, and I was able to receive 12 tubes, 45g each, for about $90. I also got about 6 little squeeze bottles of the same in a topical solution for an additional $5, for a grand total of $100 give or take. Even with no insurance, each tube was ONLY $45 and would last me a few months before having to re-up at the local drug dispensory.

Now, I finally get back to the pharmacist for another tube, and guess what has happened within the last 3 months? That same med, in a smaller tube @30g, is $264. **** ME. I ask about the solution, $181. This has all happened within the last three months. I know she probably didn't want to make the connection for me, but I am not an idiot. Employee mandated ACA is in effect as of 1 Jan, right? Well, about three months ago... hmmm... Well, I will just go on being a little more itchy since I can't afford $700 every 2 months, can't afford insurance because I make too much money, and I don't qualify for the subsidies. The ***BEST*** plan I can get has a $7500 deductible, and is $329 after subsidies.

[/rant]

[jpmuscle]

POTUS and the Dems say thank you...

[nimdabew]

POTUS and the Dems say thank you...

No, **** em. I am one of the bad ones that doesn't have coverage. If they want to bitch about it, I will tell them where to shove it.

[Inkslinger]

No, **** em. I am one of the bad ones that doesn't have coverage. If they want to bitch about it, I will tell them where to shove it.

So what happens if you have a major medical event and rack up a large hospital bill?

[nimdabew]

So what happens if you have a major medical event and rack up a large hospital bill?

Easy. I will pay for it.

If the choice is making rent or giving someone else 4k each year for little benefit, I will make rent. I will soon be able to be a rider on my wife's policy, but right now, can't afford or do it.

[Inkslinger]

Easy. I will pay for it.

If the choice is making rent or giving someone else 4k each year for little benefit, I will make rent. I will soon be able to be a rider on my wife's policy, but right now, can't afford or do it.

Sure that's easy to say now without say, (God forbid) a bill in the five to six figure range. You can't afford rent and insurance, but you can pay back a large hospital bill?Your post just strikes a chord with me because part of the reason our healthcare system is screwed up is because of people with this attitude. You're a stand up guy, you'll honor your debts and pay the bill. Many won't.

[jpmuscle]

Sure that's easy to say now without say, (God forbid) a bill in the five to six figure range. You can't afford rent and insurance, but you can pay back a large hospital bill?Your post just strikes a chord with me because part of the reason our healthcare system is screwed up is because of people with this attitude. You're a stand up guy, you'll honor your debts and pay the bill. Many won't.

Or many can't in a lot of instances.

[Sensei]

I'm not trying to be a dick nor am I a fan of the ACA, but the price of your drug probably has little to do with the law. We go through periods where pharmaceutical companies cut back on the production of various drugs. This will cause the laws of supply vs. demand to kick in and prices go up. My suggestion is that you work the other side of that equation by shopping at other pharmacies (Walmart, CVS, Target, etc.), use a different preparation that is less expensive, or have your doctor prescribed a less expensive alternative.

As for the cost of insurance being less than affordable, you are correct. I suggest that you vote accordingly...

[Inkslinger]

Or many can't in a lot of instances.

That as well. Where does it land? On everyone else's back. OP, don't get me wrong, I feel for you. There are so many people willing to suck the tit today that it's made me overly sensitive.

[Eurodriver]