Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
Mar 8th 2017, 5:04 pm
#16
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
We just discovered how ridiculous this can be here. The same meds we used to purchase in Australia for $50 AUD, which we thought was expensive, are over $400 here??!! And no generic brand available
How is this justified? We've been trying to navigate and understand the health plans for the best part of the day
How is this justified? We've been trying to navigate and understand the health plans for the best part of the dayShame you couldn't bring enough of your meds to cover the length of your stay, I think I would have....
Mar 8th 2017, 6:19 pm
#17
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 13
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
We did have a minimum of 2.5 months supply when we left Aus but between there and now some have somehow gone missing??
Mar 8th 2017, 6:26 pm
#18
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
Not covered by your Travel Insurance?
Mar 8th 2017, 6:56 pm
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Portlandia Metro
Posts: 7,425
Mar 8th 2017, 7:14 pm
#20
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 13
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
It is pre existing
Mar 8th 2017, 7:27 pm
#21
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
Sorry should have thought of that, need to bring a sufficient supply with you. You have mentioned Canada and lots of people buy online from Canada.
Mar 8th 2017, 7:41 pm
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,903
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
Well, I have a quack's appointment tomorrow. It'll be the first one under the wife's new insurance company, so it'll be interesting to see what difference the prescriptions will be! I started a new job three weeks ago, so I'm waiting to see what the health offerings are before deciding whether to stick with her plan or go with the even newer one!
To illustrate what is being said, I am also a Type-2 diabetic and my insulin has varied from $200/month and three vials (which was a stretch for my pump!) to four vials and $5 a month! I have no idea what the new rate will be, but it could mean I have to just lay down and die if I can't afford the treatment!!
Two years ago, while with my old employer, I was carrying the cheap work insurance as well as the one from my wife (saving a bundle on the insulin alone!). My NP decided it was time I tried Chantix to quit smoking, so he called in a prescription. The cost? $278 for a starter pack (one month's supply!). That was on her insurance and it wasn't covered! I got the pharmacist to check the other insurance and it was covered 100% with NO copay!
It'll be two years in June and I STILL haven't smoked a cigarette!
To illustrate what is being said, I am also a Type-2 diabetic and my insulin has varied from $200/month and three vials (which was a stretch for my pump!) to four vials and $5 a month! I have no idea what the new rate will be, but it could mean I have to just lay down and die if I can't afford the treatment!!
Two years ago, while with my old employer, I was carrying the cheap work insurance as well as the one from my wife (saving a bundle on the insulin alone!). My NP decided it was time I tried Chantix to quit smoking, so he called in a prescription. The cost? $278 for a starter pack (one month's supply!). That was on her insurance and it wasn't covered! I got the pharmacist to check the other insurance and it was covered 100% with NO copay!
It'll be two years in June and I STILL haven't smoked a cigarette!
Mar 9th 2017, 2:15 am
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 200
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
It is always worth checking goodrx.com to compare prices because the difference between the price for the same drug at local pharmacies can be astonishing. A couple of years ago some antibiotics for little Miss P ranged in price from under $20 to over $120. 
Yeah, mail order can save a huge amount too. A drug that Mrs P needed over ten years ago was, IIRC, going to cost $2,000 locally, but only $500 from a pharmacy in New England.
Yeah, mail order can save a huge amount too. A drug that Mrs P needed over ten years ago was, IIRC, going to cost $2,000 locally, but only $500 from a pharmacy in New England.
Second Pulaski on checking GoodRX. I just got new insurance and was due a refil on generic cholesterol pills. $244 on the approved prescription insurance which was a significant increase. Checked GoodRX and it's $40 at Costco. And I got out with only buying 6 months of toilet roll which is an achievement in that place.
Mar 9th 2017, 4:18 pm
#24
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
I know in the grand scheme of things this is pathetic, really pathetic but....
in France I bought tretinoin prescription strength as an anti aging thing (recommended by top flight Harley Street derm friend) cost was 3 euros a tube. 3 effing euros!!
The same stuff here has to be prescribed by a dermatologist ($20 co-pay) and insurance won't cover it so its a minimum of $75 with a coupon.
in France I bought tretinoin prescription strength as an anti aging thing (recommended by top flight Harley Street derm friend) cost was 3 euros a tube. 3 effing euros!!
The same stuff here has to be prescribed by a dermatologist ($20 co-pay) and insurance won't cover it so its a minimum of $75 with a coupon.
Mar 9th 2017, 4:24 pm
#25
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,448
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
I know in the grand scheme of things this is pathetic, really pathetic but....
in France I bought tretinoin prescription strength as an anti aging thing (recommended by top flight Harley Street derm friend) cost was 3 euros a tube. 3 effing euros!!
The same stuff here has to be prescribed by a dermatologist ($20 co-pay) and insurance won't cover it so its a minimum of $75 with a coupon.
in France I bought tretinoin prescription strength as an anti aging thing (recommended by top flight Harley Street derm friend) cost was 3 euros a tube. 3 effing euros!!
The same stuff here has to be prescribed by a dermatologist ($20 co-pay) and insurance won't cover it so its a minimum of $75 with a coupon.
Mar 9th 2017, 4:32 pm
#26
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Portlandia Metro
Posts: 7,425
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
I know in the grand scheme of things this is pathetic, really pathetic but....
in France I bought tretinoin prescription strength as an anti aging thing (recommended by top flight Harley Street derm friend) cost was 3 euros a tube. 3 effing euros!!
The same stuff here has to be prescribed by a dermatologist ($20 co-pay) and insurance won't cover it so its a minimum of $75 with a coupon.
in France I bought tretinoin prescription strength as an anti aging thing (recommended by top flight Harley Street derm friend) cost was 3 euros a tube. 3 effing euros!!
The same stuff here has to be prescribed by a dermatologist ($20 co-pay) and insurance won't cover it so its a minimum of $75 with a coupon.
Mar 9th 2017, 4:34 pm
#27
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
on this note....
my friend in France has put on some weight over the last few years, it's been a stressful difficult time for her. So, her GP has just prescribed 3 weeks at a spa in the pyrenees - all her food prepared by a dietician (menus look amazing of course), swimming every day in the thermal water, walking in the mountains. She has to pay a small contribution to the cost of the hotel but that's it. She's going next month and leaving her hubby to look after the teens.
my friend in France has put on some weight over the last few years, it's been a stressful difficult time for her. So, her GP has just prescribed 3 weeks at a spa in the pyrenees - all her food prepared by a dietician (menus look amazing of course), swimming every day in the thermal water, walking in the mountains. She has to pay a small contribution to the cost of the hotel but that's it. She's going next month and leaving her hubby to look after the teens.
Mar 9th 2017, 4:42 pm
#29
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
on this note....
my friend in France has put on some weight over the last few years, it's been a stressful difficult time for her. So, her GP has just prescribed 3 weeks at a spa in the pyrenees - all her food prepared by a dietician (menus look amazing of course), swimming every day in the thermal water, walking in the mountains. She has to pay a small contribution to the cost of the hotel but that's it. She's going next month and leaving her hubby to look after the teens.
my friend in France has put on some weight over the last few years, it's been a stressful difficult time for her. So, her GP has just prescribed 3 weeks at a spa in the pyrenees - all her food prepared by a dietician (menus look amazing of course), swimming every day in the thermal water, walking in the mountains. She has to pay a small contribution to the cost of the hotel but that's it. She's going next month and leaving her hubby to look after the teens.
Similar in the US where you see all the adverts for devices free on Medicare, we do the paperwork.
I think it was WashPo that had an article on Alzheimer's and how it would by itself break Medicare and Medicaid.
Mar 9th 2017, 4:55 pm
#30
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Not Just Healthcare; Prescription Plans Are Very Important
That is quite funny, and explains why such systems have the issues they do.
Similar in the US where you see all the adverts for devices free on Medicare, we do the paperwork.
I think it was WashPo that had an article on Alzheimer's and how it would by itself break Medicare and Medicaid.
Similar in the US where you see all the adverts for devices free on Medicare, we do the paperwork.
I think it was WashPo that had an article on Alzheimer's and how it would by itself break Medicare and Medicaid.
The french health system is fabulous both in terms of what it offers, the outcomes and financially, it spends 6% less GDP than the US does. And france covers everyone.
another example? Another friend had a small breast cancer, annual mammograms after the age of 40 meant that it was caught small, she was treated surgically within 2 weeks and is undergoing a mop up of radiation therapy daily for 5 weeks. Cost was nothing. zero. Imagine that, not having to worry about the health care bills. No wonder France has the best 5year survival rate in the world for breast cancer......