Re: Hi/OT

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth,

Just supporting both your rants. I also get frustrated with these 2

issues. We can and should do better on both of them.

best,

marti

>

> Hi, Rhonda,

>

> I work for an insurance administration company. I know how

frustrating the red tape is. However, we the people have allowed the

drug companies to charge such high prices that one of the solutions

is to make certain a less expensive med doesn't work before approving

the newer, more expensive ones are used. Previously, many MD's would

prescribe new, more expensive meds (often with no knowledge of how

much the drug costs) just because a good drug company salesman wined

and dined him. And now that these meds can be advertized on TV,

patients often request them. Personally, I think all advertising of

drugs should be banned. It adds to the cost for all of us.

>

> And you're right. There are people with no insurance, or whose

coverage is limited. They have no choice except to throw themselves

on the mercy of the drug company's outreach program. And Medicare-D

pays only 25% of the cost of drugs like Embrel. That's about $1000

for the patient to pick up, until a total of 5,100 dollars has been

spent out-of-pocket.

>

> Why are we the richest country in the world, and yet we won't

make life as comfortable as possible for a generation that lived

through the Great Depression and fought in WWII? I'm ashamed of what

we've become.

>

> Sorry! I just had to rant. And while the following is off-topic,

I m going to share it in hopes that it save another woman from the

trauma of rape.

> I live in what I thought was a safe condo complex. One of my

friends, a 65-year-old woman who stand 5 feet tall weighs about 98

pounds, went shopping. When she came home--through the gates--she

took some things into the house, put her purse down, and walked out

to get the rest of her packages. When she came in, a rapist threw a

pillowcase over her head, tied her up and raped her. He got in while

she was getting her packages. I leave my door unlocked all the

time...I'm going next door for a moment, I'm going to the mailbox,

whatever. Just be on guard ALL the time. It's a pity women are still

so vulnerable, and that crimes of rape aren't treated as seriously as

attempted murder. Because my friend's life is changed forever. She is

afraid to go home, and has moved in with a friend. A lifetime of

independence was shaken in a few minutes.

>

> Ruth