"It's clear that it would be good for the
company to have a somewhat more restricted palette of prescription
drugs that we pay for, but those are discussions negotiated with the
union," he said. "There's certain things that people like to pick on,
and it's easy to see why."
Many government and company health plans have already eliminated impotence drugs from their coverage plans.

I can understand the concern over rising heath care costs and the need to scale back. But the above statement angers me due to the fact that generics are never mentioned. More and more, the insurance companies are gaining control over which (not type as in brand vs generic) medications they will ap...

"It's clear that it would be good for the
company to have a somewhat more restricted palette of prescription
drugs that we pay for, but those are discussions negotiated with the
union," he said. "There's certain things that people like to pick on,
and it's easy to see why."
Many government and company health plans have already eliminated impotence drugs from their coverage plans.

I can understand the concern over rising heath care costs and the need to scale back. But the above statement angers me due to the fact that generics are never mentioned. More and more, the insurance companies are gaining control over which (not type as in brand vs generic) medications they will approve. Some also expect pre-certification from the doctor if the drug is "too expensive." Yes, this is fact.

Let me give you an example (if you care). Let's say that you went through a year of trial and error with medications until you and your doctor finally settle on one that works great for you. Then it happens... you have to switch health ins companies for whatever the reason. The new health provider tells you that your doctor has to call them and answer some questions about why they are prescribing this drug and if you have tried (and failed) generics or other brands (that are on their "palette.") (you know this is $$ related). If you haven't tried and failed their palette, then the health provider turns down the refill (for the expensive drug) and your stuck starting all over again in trial and error with generics from the provider's formulary. Many doctors believe that in certain situations a generic does not work as well as a proven brand.

continued...

A restricted formulary (palette of drugs) only makes it more profitable for the health provider and you still pay more money out of pocket because your employer still gets hit with rising premiums that trickle down to you. Cutting the palette isn't going to cut the premium any sooner.

There might be a case where switching drugs cannot happen immediately. IE: there could be a nasty interaction btwn the old and the new, and a waiting period would be necessary before starting the "approved" drug. What does a person do in the meantime?

On the other hand, a corporation will do what it has to do to cut back on the cost of their ins premiums. Me thinks this trend will lead to a "state ins...

A restricted formulary (palette of drugs) only makes it more profitable for the health provider and you still pay more money out of pocket because your employer still gets hit with rising premiums that trickle down to you. Cutting the palette isn't going to cut the premium any sooner.

There might be a case where switching drugs cannot happen immediately. IE: there could be a nasty interaction btwn the old and the new, and a waiting period would be necessary before starting the "approved" drug. What does a person do in the meantime?

On the other hand, a corporation will do what it has to do to cut back on the cost of their ins premiums. Me thinks this trend will lead to a "state insurance." See EricW's clip on the new health insurance implemented in the state of Maine.

As the cost of health insurance rises, the employer will cover less and less which will eventually force the individual states to move into play as Maine did. If you opt to go without insurance, cannot pay the bill, the hospitals and doctors loose. The only way out is through the state.

In reply to kristenjo: I'd like to clarify that I agree re the generics not all being bad. It's different strokes for different folks. What works for one person may not work for the other regardless of psychology. My beef is the 'game' called "profit" and who comes out on top. I have issues with the FDA and insurance companies... can't you tell? LOL

And yes, I also believe that dis-ease is a state of mind or certain states of mind create dis-ease. However, many of us have not mastered the art of self-healing.

By the way....
I'd also like to know why there's so many auto workers on viagra!!! yikes. Is that how they "get a life" after the graveyard shift ??? LOL