Americans on Drug Prices

First, no serious medical condition is satisfied by over-the-counter drugs. People who have serious medical conditions require prescription drugs. Any drug that actually affects such conditions have side effects, which is why they require prescriptions.

Moreover, while many conditions can be treated effectively by generic drugs, not all can be and brand name drugs in the United States generally are very expensive, much more so than in many other countries around the world. Further, the drug companies, in collusion with various parts of our federal government, work very hard at keeping drugs from going generic.

Finally, older people on Medicare are affected by the so-called donut hole, wherein most patients who hit a reimbursement ceiling must pay the full cost for their medications for the rest of the year or until they reach a very large expenditure, whichever comes first. For an oldsters on fixed incomes and without independent wealth, the donut hole is very much a financial burden. Some attempt to save money through Canada. Others who still can drive and live near the border go to Mexico and buy cheaper drugs there.

Those who have very little money and cannot get to Mexico may resort to ordering questionable generics from places like India. Many, especially the very old who cannot drive or use the internet simply do without and suffer the consequences.

It is a damned shame that the United States of America has allowed market forces and the corporate drive for profit to subject our aging parents and grandparents to such pitiful circumstances in their declining years. We all should be ashamed of not demanding a better societiel response to the needs of aging.

Jon Elkin of AZ 8:35PM March 06, 2008