The high cost of meds

[JSUPreston]

MilDoc, you've hit the nail on the head.

I work for the state agency that handle health insurance for state employees. Our director can pull out the numbers and can show that as soon at drug companies were allowed to advertise on T.V., our prescription drug costs went through the roof. I can't give numbers off the top of my head, but the difference from one year to the next was incredible.

Advertising drugs is a double edged sword...sometimes getting news out about the latest and greatest treatment for something serious is a good thing, but how many times do I have to see a Cialis or Viagra commercial? No offense meant to anyone on the forum that may need those medications, but aren't thouse best kept private between you, your doctor and your SO? I sure don't want to explain them to my kids.

We've also noticed an increase in claims since the economy started going downhill. Our director mentioned it in a staff meeting a few months ago. Most folks don't go to the doctor unless they are sick or facing losing health benefits (policy change, loss of job, etc.). A lot of employees are concerned about losing their jobs, so their trying to get whatever ails them taken care of while they still can.

That's my $.02 worth for the evening. Y'all have a good night, and I'll check in on everyone sometime tomorrow.

[Uncle Cracker]

And what am I supposed to think about an insurance company that charges me $1700/month for a policy that has co-pays so high that in one case it has me paying $30 out of pocket for a $32 prescription, and in three other cases pays nothing, because the prescription is cheaper than the co-pay amount?

I do know that the pharmacies are somewhat to blame for this, because they do take advantage of the insurance companies when they can. Case in point: My neighbor and I take the same med, and the same dosage. He is not on any government aid program. He pays cash for his... $46. The same pharmacy charges me a $20 co-pay, and then bills my insurance company an additional $67. Their net from my neighbor is $46, and from me (and my insurer) is $87. Forgive me if I have little sympathy for either the insurance co. or the pharmacy.

[JSUPreston]

Uncle C., unfortunately I don't know how private insurance companies work, but I imagine that there is some collusion as you have suggested. Since I work for a government run system for state employees, we're mainly just looking at breaking even. If we have a surplus at the end of a fiscal year, we often times will not charge other agencies premiums for a month or two or pass the savings along to folks with dependent care.