Doctors and medication U.S.A/U.K (choices, choice)

michel · #1 12-22-2005, 04:25 PM

Whenever I see threads here, about anyone being on medication, or needing an operation, I feel really bad when I learn that sometimes you guys can barely afford it.

I am aware that you "have to"? buy medical insurance, and that, as with all insurance, there is a maximum that will pay for any one given problem. Presumably, if you have an existing condition at the time you take out the insurance, you will not be covered for that condition.

Obviously there is no way of comparing premiums you pay with what we pay (National Insurance) - which is basically a form of tax, but, each month, when I go to collect all my medication, I think of you.

I even remember one member (quite a while back, saying that he/she could not afford some medication for the next month. I felt awful.

We pay as follows (For any medication)

Quote:

From 1 April 2005, the charge for a single prescription ( ie one medicine) item is £6.50,(US$11) whereas a 12-monthPrescription Pre-payment Certificate costs £93.20.US$162

(the latter entitles the patient to unlimited medication). For example, I have 12 lots of medication every month (occasionally more); so for 144 prescriptions minimum, I pay US$ 162.....................

Is there no way that someone on low income can get help in the states?

jonny · #2 12-22-2005, 04:34 PM

I don't have health insurance at all. I was denied because I had a gall stone last year (one time problem, never had a problem since) and take medication for anxiety (approx 4 pills/month). I'm avoiding the doctors for a year in hopes that I'll be able to qualify next year. I'm not seeing a doctor unless it is a life/death emergency. When I was denied I was referred to a state-run health plan, but I didn't look into it.

Even in my case, I don't support government run health plans. When I was in Germany I didn't like the amount of abuse I saw. There has got to be another solution to the problem. I don't know what it is, but these high-deductable plans are a good start. Finding an employer that takes care of its employees is also a good step.

When I had insurance, I was able to get my medication pretty cheap. It was only $6.00 for a years supply of my medication (I don't take a lot of it). I do feel bad for people who have to pay a lot more though. It seems that the drug companies have been making efforts recently to assist those who do not have insurance (at least their marketing makes it sound like they are). When it comes down to it, my impression is that the reason why the prices are so high here is because Americans are paying for the research to get the drugs on the market and the rest of the world is benefitting from it.

Sunstone · #3 12-22-2005, 04:39 PM

Some drug companies will make their product free to qualified low income people.

jeffrey · #4 12-22-2005, 04:55 PM

Insurance through my company costs $150 a week. Needless to say, I have no insurance. I have a great family doctor, he only charges $55 a visit and if he has samples, he gives you those for free. If you have a major ailment, hospitals cannot refuse you. No matter how high your bill gets, as long as attempt to pay on your bill every month, they usually won't do anything to you, like sue.

Fluffy · #5 12-22-2005, 05:02 PM

My friend in Wisconsin will be celebrating her nineteenth birthday in January and she has racked up huge medical bill debts. She has had trouble with her parents (who are not very nice to say the least) and so is on neither of their medical plans despite the fact that her father is quite rich. She is already 10 grand down which is largely because of medical bills.

Had I gone through the same accidents and illnesses that led to those bills, I would be sitting here with none of the money to pay. In my opinion it is inexcusable to live in a civilised society and have members which live in situations similar to the one above.

jeffrey · #6 12-22-2005, 05:45 PM

There is pros and cons to this. She can pay a dollar a month and there is nothiing they can do. National health would raise my taxes considerably, while lowering the quality of care. My wife's mum had to what 2 years for a hip replacement in England. My wife likes the doctors over here alot more. More choices, faster care.

jonny · #7 12-22-2005, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Had I gone through the same accidents and illnesses that led to those bills, I would be sitting here with none of the money to pay. In my opinion it is inexcusable to live in a civilised society and have members which live in situations similar to the one above.

I agree that there should be some assistance, but I don't see health care as a "right" the government should give people. The government tends to screw things up. I don't want them messing with our health care.

jeffrey · #8 12-22-2005, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny

I agree that there should be some assistance, but I don't see health care as a "right" the government should give people. The government tends to screw things up. I don't want them messing with our health care.

Amen!

Fluffy · #9 12-22-2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

I agree that there should be some assistance, but I don't see health care as a "right" the government should give people. The government tends to screw things up. I don't want them messing with our health care.

I agree and I will readily support any system that means I don't have massive