I posted the "cartoon" yesterday about costs. Happy to see that the 31 replies confirmed the cost/chaos in our US healthcare system. Lots of data shared. The clear implication that there are some political ramifications and everyone was respectful and civil.
FYI-I am not one who is impacted by the costs but feel guilty about what is being spent on my behalf at this stage of disease. I am still enjoying life and love the cartoons.
I’’ve been very fortunate also, I have a 10 year old Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial policy I bought because I was self employed. It breaks my heart to read the financial impact some on this site are enduring. Since last year was the first time I really used the insurance policy and really didn’t understand how Zytiga would be covered and I was prepared to not take it for fear of bankrupting ourselves if the cost was to high. When I was told Zytiga and now Xtandi would be zero cost to me by the specialty pharmacist, I broke down and cried. For this year, I’ve already hit my deductibles and co-pays in March which is easy to do with this dreaded illness. Everything going forward is covered at zero cost. I just have to beat on Blue Cross to process the claims properly which is a challenge for them on these older policies (I’m a retired IT guy). We are still fixing last year too. About 6 years ago I almost switched to an lower cost Obama care policy but backed out at the last minute when I saw the limitations especially the hospitals available. I’m not saying Obama care is bad I know many millions of people have been helped plus it continues the debate as to where we need to go. I think the whole healthcare situation in this country stinks. An illness should not bankrupt people. People who lose their jobs should not be crushed by premiums. People should not have to work way beyond their productive years just to have health insurance. I would favor allowing people to have the option to buy into Medicare earlier which is what I will be on next year starting in January.
You shouldn't feel bad. You are an individual and have inherent worth within society, don't let anyone tell you differently. You absolutely should be helped and helping people like you continue to live, not only helps the economy and keeps you healthy to be productive, but also allows your family to be less stressed and not have to decide to go into extreme debt.
It's not your fault the healthcare system is obscenely expensive and it's made to keep the shareholders as wealthy as possible and incentivizes SICK CARE not preventative medicine or HEALTH CARE.
Just my 2 cents no one asked for.
America is a disgrace to humanity with its healthcare system. The rest of the civilised world looks after its citizens at vastly reduced costs per capita, medication is generally one fifth of the costs you pay. All you’re doing is making CEOs extremely rich. On a plus and minus comparison, I can think of no valid plusses for your system. Zytiga is free to the patient in the U.K. all other medications are a fixed price (a prescription charge) until you reach retirement age, when everything is free. A visit to the doctor, free, the hospital, free, MRI scan, free, PET scan, free, biopsy, free.
How does the rest of the developed world do it? Through a National Insurance scheme, paid by all in employment and their employers. It’s a percentage of salary, so the rich pay the most, and the poorest on minimum wage pay nothing. America should give it a try.
Look, I agree that health costs are too high. But those people who invest in Pharmaceutical companies also want the stock to go high. 401Ks invest in these companies and everyone wants their 401Ks to increase. It's damn if you do and damn if you don't. CEO's of all major corporations are rich, but that's called Capitalism. Did we give a shit about medical costs before we were diagnosed with the beast? I know I'm going to get flak for this post, but I leave with one question. Who here doesn't or didn't want a bigger bank account?
(We want to eat our cake and have it too. I think I should stick to humor).
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
J-o-h-n Saturday 05/04/2019 11:26 AM DST
Without getting into the ethics and morality of the pharma industry (I have strong feelings, but this ain't the place to discuss them), there are mutual funds and doubtless 401 Ks which are "ethically-invested" (obviously a term that will mean different things to different people). My wife is invested in one of these mutual funds--I don't remember its investment guidelines. I do know it's done very well over the years. I would suggest to anyone who objects to the operations of pharmaceutical companies can find investments that don't violate their personal ethics--and not pay a price in performance.
You got my vote............
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
J-o-h-n Saturday 05/04/2019 8:17 PM DST
First Eligard shot received this morning. Icing injection site pre- injection, as advised by some people on this site, did help me.
FIRMAGON INJECTION SITE
Feeling sad and discouraged 
Cost of a PSMA in US part 2
