Posted on 08/30/2023 11:36:14 AM PDT by Red Badger
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, struggling to convince Americans that he's improved their lives as he runs for reelection, hailed his administration's Tuesday announcement that several drugs would be targeted for Medicare's first-ever price negotiations.
The drugs include the blood thinner Eliquis, diabetes treatment Jardiance and eight other medications. The negotiation process was authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, which Biden signed last year, capping decades of debate over whether the federal government should be allowed to haggle with pharmaceutical companies.
Any lower prices won't take effect for three years, and the path forward could be further complicated by litigation from drugmakers and heavy criticism from Republicans.
But the effort is a centerpiece of Biden's reelection pitch as the Democrat tries to show Americans he's deserving of a second term because of the work he's doing to lower costs while the country is struggling with inflation. The drug negotiations, like many of Biden's biggest policy moves, will take time to play out, and his challenge is to persuade the public to be patient.
“For all of you out there, I get it, and millions of Americans get it,” Biden said at the White House. “I promise you. I’m going to have your back and I’ll never stop fighting for you on this issue."
He noted that he got “no help from the other team" — meaning Republicans — when it came to lowering prescription costs.
The drugs on the list announced Tuesday accounted for $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients last year.
The Medicare program paid more than $50 billion for the drugs between June 1, 2022, and May 31, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS.
(Excerpt) Read more at aol.com ...
I stopped taking several medications when I retired in January. Medicare is far more expensive than what I had when I was working. And I do have the supplemental insurance.
Eliquis
Jardiance
Xarelto
Januvia
Farxiga
Entresto
Enbrel
Imbruvica
Stelara
Fiasp; Fiasp FlexTouch; Fiasp PenFill; NovoLog; NovoLog FlexPen; NovoLog PenFill
Thanks.
I get both of those at a good price, along with most all other meds. Just those 3 are up in price, since last refill.
Nice drug youse got there...Dis is da price ....You got a problem wid dat???
Would not be good for da health of you and your company if youse do have a problem. Capise?
and they say Russia is a Mafia government
“Drug companies that refuse to be a part of the new negotiation process will be heavily taxed.”
from the article.
One hell of a list you got there!!
My daily regiment:
10 mg elequis
1 bottle red wine
thats it
I pay between $300 and $400 for 3 months. (Much more the first time each year before deductible is paid.) It’s through Humana.
China/India is in control of our medication supply line folks
“One hell of a list you got there!!
My daily regiment:
10 mg elequis
1 bottle red wine
thats it”
Until some recent health events not surprising at my age, I got by on a full glass of Everclear and Sterno in the morning (75/25 mix). Lights you right up and is inexpensive. Burns away anything that doesn’t belong.
But seriously, they asked what meds I was on when I was in my 50’s getting some teeth yanked. I told them that I wasn’t on any meds. They didn’t believe me!
Most of the medications in the U.S. comes from China bet he’ll do something about that huh Moe.
I used to take Warfarin (Coumadin), for around $10/month.
However, it required me to take blood tests every few weeks at the doctors office, so I switched to Eliquis so I could travel easier.
I used to have that same “list” — 1 Bayer 325mg Aspirin, 1-2 bottles Cab or Shiraz.
I was told these drug thinners SHOULD be being offered in generic form by now, but that government actions have allowed them to keep the name-brand prices intact, even on generic forms.
I am also on Eliquis
I’ve noticed this in the past when I check for Canadian pharmacy prices - that the quantities are not 30 days or 90 days, but some odd (to Americans, anyway) quantity in their price quotes.
How would that work if your doctor prescribes 90 days with 3 refills available?
Sorry, my cynicism is borne of experience.
I do not-and will not-take any prescription drugs-and almost never anything OTC, either. I have a real and well founded fear of drugs in general-my body does not like them, even minute doses get terrible, scary reactions. Vitamins and natural supplements only-I’ve never been overweight or had an on-going medical issue, thank you, God. And if these drugs are from China and other dubious places, how safe does anyone actually think they are? People could very well poisoning themselves, slowly-and paying a fortune to do it- unknowingly until something goes terribly wrong...
I do think following an all-organic, non-GMO, unprocessed, grass fed/free range paleo type diet for most of my adult life has a lot to do with being healthy, but I realize not everyone agrees-and that is okay. But I’m going to continue to spend my money on fresh natural food and supplements-I know one size does not fit all-but it is cheaper in the long run-and this works for me...
How would that work if your doctor prescribes 90 days with 3 refills available?
Call them and ask. I for one am pretty happy with their service. My wife has used them for years.
Approximately how much is prescription coverage from Medicare? A family member is considering getting it.
When you have prescription coverage does it pay in full for all prescriptions or?
Thanks in advance all
My husband is an American Indian, so any drugs ordered by the doctor at the Indian clinic are free. He also has private doctors. Just yesterday, the Indian doctor informed him that any native American on Medicare part D can get their meds not supplied by their local clinic thru the Chickasaw Nation pharmacy here in Oklahoma. (He also has private doctors, and the Indians don’t pay for the scripts they prescribe). The really neat part, though, is that the non-native spouses of Indian patients who are on Medicare part D can ALSO get their meds free from the chickasaw nation. I don’t know if it applies to out of state people, but I don’t see that requirement listed. Here’s the website:
http://cnrefillcenter.net/eligibility/
I’m currently in the Medicare part D donut hole. I just paid $174 for. a two month supply of xarelto. Mounjaro is costing me $279/month. We are on several high dollar meds. It’s a hardship to pay for them. As soon as I can dig up our marriage license, we’re going to have those scripts sent to the Chickasaw Nation pharmacy. Wish we had known about it sooner.
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