Official Squatch Watchers

[ronott1]

For those without insurance, look in to prescription savings programs, either through the drug manufacturer, or other places. Ask the pharmacist about any programs they are aware of. Also, go to the pharmacy websites and see if they have a generic medication price program, such as Walmart. For example, Walmart has multiple medications, such as metformin and glipizide, at $4 for a 30 day supply, and $10 for a 90 day supply. There are multiple ways to save on medications, you just have to do your research, and it's not something that is frequently talked about. I learned about it while volunteering at a free clinic and my first paid position in a public health setting.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Its still rediculous what medications cost. I just saw a video about an HIV med. It's almost $2000 a month for that medicine in the US. Yet its $8 a month for the generic in Australia. The US tax payers funded the research and development. Funded the drug trials and got the medicine on the market. But once the generic was made the company that makes the original put a stop to the generic being sold in the US.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Its still rediculous what medications cost. I just saw a video about an HIV med. It's almost $2000 a month for that medicine in the US. Yet its $8 a month for the generic in Australia. The US tax payers funded the research and development. Funded the drug trials and got the medicine on the market. But once the generic was made the company that makes the original put a stop to the generic being sold in the US.

Insulin is another there is no generic for.

I guess the big drug companies want every buck they can get before those issues kill the patients.

 

[21hens-incharge]

For those without insurance, look in to prescription savings programs, either through the drug manufacturer, or other places. Ask the pharmacist about any programs they are aware of. Also, go to the pharmacy websites and see if they have a generic medication price program, such as Walmart. For example, Walmart has multiple medications, such as metformin and glipizide, at $4 for a 30 day supply, and $10 for a 90 day supply. There are multiple ways to save on medications, you just have to do your research, and it's not something that is frequently talked about. I learned about it while volunteering at a free clinic and my first paid position in a public health setting.

Thank you for the info!

I will be checking with Wal-Mart on the prices there.

 

[rjohns39]

Henny, I've been avoiding my soap box. But here goes... I've been up close and personal with big pharma and the business side of hospitals and dr offices. The reason there are so many frustrated nurses out there is because patient care is a tertiary objective. Keep the patient alive so they can keep paying, but keep them paying. Ok done with rant.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Insulin is another there is no generic for.

I guess the big drug companies want every buck they can get before those issues kill the patients.

There are different brands and types with various price tags, so you can shop around for insulin, and get it cheaper if you are willing to use an older formulation or brand. I'm sure Wal-Mart has a deal or two going on if you ask.

Being a diabetic is an expensive lifestyle, but it's better than the alternative. I budget for my medication. Even with decent insurance I still pay out of pocket a bit, and it continues to rise unfortunately.

I have always said they will never find a cure for diabetes or cancer because the drug companies make too much money selling the meds for both.

 

[rjohns39]

There are different brands and types with various price tags, so you can shop around for insulin, and get it cheaper if you are willing to use an older formulation or brand. I'm sure Wal-Mart has a deal or two going on if you ask.

Being a diabetic is an expensive lifestyle, but it's better than the alternative. I budget for my medication. Even with decent insurance I still pay out of pocket a bit, and it continues to rise unfortunately.

I have always said they will never find a cure for diabetes or cancer because the drug companies make too much money selling the meds for both.

You're right on target. Sorry.. Cynical me.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You're right on target. Sorry.. Cynical me.

Believe me, I understand the cynicism towards those in the medical field. Some are wonderful and others are about the money. It pays to find those who are helpful. I have seen the best and the worse with all my surgeries, and appointments.

There's also people that want to be cared for, as opposed to ones like me that want to take responsibility for my own care. I am my best advocate. My health is my responsibility.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Henny, I've been avoiding my soap box. But here goes... I've been up close and personal with big pharma and the business side of hospitals and dr offices. The reason there are so many frustrated nurses out there is because patient care is a tertiary objective. Keep the patient alive so they can keep paying, but keep them paying. Ok done with rant.

Your soap box looks a lot like mine does.
I got new paint and spinners on my wheels the last 2 weeks.

Believe me, I understand the cynicism towards those in the medical field. Some are wonderful and others are about the money. It pays to find those who are helpful. I have seen the best and the worse with all my surgeries, and appointments.

There's also people that want to be cared for, as opposed to ones like me that want to take responsibility for my own care. I am my best advocate. My health is my responsibility.

Totally understand the taking personal responsibility for ones health. That's what we are trying to do.

Side note......Hubs just started the glipicide this morning.
He read 171 before dinner.
Now I think upping the meds as prescribed over the course of the next week may send him to low.
We will keep a close watch and notify doctor of changes to his readings before upping the meds.

Seriously! Just 2 weeks ago (come Monday) he was at 564.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I have always said they will never find a cure for diabetes or cancer because the drug companies make too much money selling the meds for both.

The pharmaceutical companies #1 goal is to get as many people on as many medications as they can, every day, for the rest of their lives.

In fact, I think they might have found cures for some serious things, but shut it down because it was cheaper than the current treatments and they would loose market share.