OT: Greed Inc.

[RogerF]

Is this subject also political and not to be discussed at these forums? Is it just political and religious themes that make people uncomfortable, or is it anything that shakes someone elses world?

As long a it's done in a civil manner, it should be allowed at this forum

 here

[krissel]

As long as someone doesn't start an argument about who's at fault for this particular situation, I do appreciate the information. I had heard about the company trying to stop the sale of its drugs to US citizens via Canada but I didn't know about the boycott.

[Epaminondas]

The pharmaceutical industry has a - perhaps intentionally - little-publicized program to provide reduced cost / free medications for poorer people who do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid, etc. The program requires both patient and physician cooperation - I get the impression that the program is intentionally difficult to find, and then intentionally difficult to sign up for.  But I may be being unkind.  

Me, a cynic?  Perish the thought.

Unfortunately, the program is not being utilized by many physicians. Many simply do not know it exists.

I may be wrong, but I believe that the purpose of the program is largely public relations - to deflect those obviously unfounded accustations of greed by allowing the pharmaceutical companies to point to this great program that few even know exists.

If you do not need the program, or do not qualify, consider getting the information to a friend or relative in need.
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One site calls these "Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs."   Apparently they are individual to each drug company. I do not know whether or not that is the generally accepted term.

Not sure where to find out about these programs, but these links may give you a start in the event that you are interested:

http://www.rxhope.com

http://www.phrma.org

http://www.needymeds.com

[krissel]

Thanks E, good information.

The first site has a good index of drugs with links to makers and insert info.

[snuffysbluff]

I add my thanks also...

My mother who is in her 80's (She'd kill me if she knew I told you) and is a retired teacher.
She lives with me so that helps, but most of her income goes to prescription drugs.

Between her other two offspring and myself, we keep her social live active (she likes a wine cooler or 6 and the local pub on occasion) but otherwise she wouldn't be able to afford to do anything.

I'll be following up on this issue time permitting.

[Epaminondas]

<< Between her other two offspring and myself, we keep her social live active [she likes a wine cooler or 6 and the local pub on occasion] but otherwise she wouldn't be able to afford to do anything. >>

When my late father was visiting for a while - he in his late 70's at the time - I suggested that he might want to give the Elder program at our local park a whirl.

I had looked in on it before he came - I was concerned that it would consist of basket weaving or be populated with disoriented types in wheelchairs - but instead I saw grizzled old WW II veterans playing checkers and joking around.

I was tempted to challenge them for a game, but I knew I'd get whipped. ;-)

He seemed to like it.  I figured it looked a lot more inviting than just sitting home watching TV and reading while I was off at work.

There are lots of these sorts of things out there if you look for them, even in small communities.

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<< My mother who is in her 80's [She'd kill me if she knew I told you] and is a retired teacher.
She lives with me so that helps, but most of her income goes to prescription drugs. >>

Every once in a while - just this last week, in fact -  we encourage an elderly type living with friends or relatives to see if they might qualify for Medicaid.

Some do.  Some don't.  

Sometimes it can take some creative financial footwork.  Whether it is worth it or not - depends.

Probably not a matter of interest to you.  Then again, it might not hurt . . .

Regards,

Epaminondas

[sandbox]

Epaminondas, without going overboard here, there are options for a variety of care needs as well. One of the best was Medicaid Waiver, which is now underfunded. In instances where more than Meds. are needed, like meals-on-wheels. transportations, periodic observation (bathing, shopping, on and on ) our area has http://www.neighborly.org/ You may have something like it in your area.

http://www.aoa.gov/agingsites/state.html

http://www.elderweb.com/

Medicaid Waiver, a good program, but now underfunded, hopefully this will change.
http://www.aaa1c.org/waiver.htm
a bit of insight
http://www.theinfocenter.info/seniors/care...rechoices.php#1

Full Medicaid requires folks to spend down, or who are broke to qualify. Attorneys in this area get $2000. + to qualify folks for Medicaid eligibility. neighborly would do it for them. Your mileage may vary.
The paperwork involved is outrageous, topped off with a formal revue.

[Epaminondas]

Sandbox,

Good stuff!

Thanks,

Epaminondas