I'm so angry I could scream!!! Prescription drug costs.

Postby **Shellie** » January 26th, 2008, 9:50 am

The oldest gentleman in our congregation just called me. His wife was my children's Sunday school teacher when we were first saved in 1991 and has been a part of our lives for 17 years. Needless to say, this man is much loved by me and my family.

He has been diagnosed with leukemia. The doctor gives him a prescription for the new wonder drug Gleevec to fight this leukemia.

His cost per month AFTER medicare picks up their part?

$1036.00. That's one thousand, thirty six dollars if written out in word form helps it to sink in. Per month. After insurance.

So what does he do? Walks away without the medicine that could save his life.

Oh, I know, I know....the cost of the medicine HAS to pay for the research. Bologna and hog wash and dung and crud!! If you think drug makers aren't getting rich then you are stupid!!

WHERE ARE THE LAWS PREVENTING THIS?

Ilovebigcats · Postby **Ilovebigcats** » January 26th, 2008, 9:54 am

Full Quiver · Postby **Full Quiver** » January 26th, 2008, 9:54 am

He could request that the drug company help him out or donate.

Is he on the new prescription drug plan from the federal govt.?

jinjer · Postby **jinjer** » January 26th, 2008, 10:00 am

Someone needs to go to the pharmaceutical company's website to look for their assistance program. Nearly ALL drug companies have such help. You usually have to fill out some paper work and then you will receive the drug free or nearly free.

Jinjer

Postby **Shellie** » January 26th, 2008, 10:23 am

jinjer,

He has done that. They said that they would give him $500 dollars a month toward it starting in May.

He has to wait until May and he still will be responsible for the other $536.00 per month.

jinjer · Postby **jinjer** » January 26th, 2008, 11:15 am

can you tell me the drug and the drug company? Let me see what I can find from my drug rep friends. Also, is he a veteran or member of any other organization?

Jinjer

paul · Postby **paul** » January 26th, 2008, 12:23 pm

Shellie wrote:jinjer,

He has done that. They said that they would give him $500 dollars a month toward it starting in May.

He has to wait until May and he still will be responsible for the other $536.00 per month.

Why not get the church family involved.....helping him with the medicine until the may date. I'd be willing to help....I never ask anyone to do something I'm not willing to do.

justsam · Postby **justsam** » January 26th, 2008, 1:14 pm

He needed a medicare supplement before he got sick. Sad but true.

God Bless You- Sam Smith

one love · Postby **one love** » January 26th, 2008, 5:24 pm

Shellie you are so right. they are rich and there is no reason for to be that much.

Kenya · Postby **Kenya** » January 28th, 2008, 2:00 am

pastorsam wrote:He needed a medicare supplement before he got sick. Sad but true.

God Bless You- Sam Smith

I am blunt. To the point. Sometimes, I'm a little harsh. But to me, this is just mean.

And is there any guarantee that a supplement would have picked up the experimental drug?

Tell him to talk to the company again and possibly speak with another rep.

sweetpea · Postby **sweetpea** » January 28th, 2008, 3:32 am

Most Medicare supplement policy's do not pay for drug coverage,this would come under Medicare Part D,we d on't even know if this gentleman is on Medicare.Medicare supplement's usually help pay for part A and B Medicare.

My husband and I are still covered by his former employer,and we receive drug coverage through this.I am on disability Social Security so his insurance also gives me full coveraage.

Shellie,I agree someone is getting rich,and I can't understand how you can get the generic brands so much cheaper,if they are really still the same.High cost of medications is why so many people go to Mexico and Canada to get what they need.

It's just ,more greed on the officials that are supposed to be serving our country. :cry:

justsam · Postby **justsam** » January 28th, 2008, 4:03 pm

I am blunt. To the point. Sometimes, I'm a little harsh. But to me, this is just mean.

Kenya, I'm not intending to dismiss the person's problem or seem uncaring. Please keep in mind, I'm not the person who is denying them the drug nor would I if it was in my power to give it to them. I'm simply commenting on the reality of the situation.

This forum is limited- you cannot see my facial expression, hear my tone of voice, and you certainly cannot know my heart.

God Bless You- Sam Smith

paul · Postby **paul** » January 28th, 2008, 4:12 pm

If he is an older gentleman is their a possibility he is a Vetern ? If so he might contact the Vetrens Department and see if he can qualify for some help.

For me my perscriptions, no matter what they are cost $7 per

Postby **Shellie** » January 28th, 2008, 4:29 pm

We are looking into all that we can do. These things ought not to be.

Kenya · Postby **Kenya** » January 29th, 2008, 2:04 am

pastorsam wrote:
I am blunt. To the point. Sometimes, I'm a little harsh. But to me, this is just mean.

Kenya, I'm not intending to dismiss the person's problem or seem uncaring. Please keep in mind, I'm not the person who is denying them the drug nor would I if it was in my power to give it to them. I'm simply commenting on the reality of the situation.

This forum is limited- you cannot see my facial expression, hear my tone of voice, and you certainly cannot know my heart.

God Bless You- Sam Smith

Wasn't judging your heart, Sam. I'm sure you are a very caring person and if you had this gentleman in your congregation you would be very loving and understanding.

As someone who has dealt personally with this situation (my dad went through this, remember? And no he didn't have insurance because he chose to pastor in an organization that doesn't provide healthcare for their ministers), I took offense to your comment and still feel that it was a mean statement. Having a supplement wouldn't have solved the problem anyway. The new chemo drugs are very expensive - and shouldn't be.

Jude 2