LETTERS
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/rhtn/Editorial/4144/
The losing end of the stick
In June my physician wrote me a prescription for Niaspan (500 mg. ) with a note “ Generic if available. ” I called Humana; their representative informed me there was no generic for Niaspan. I called Humana’s prescription supplier (Right Source ) and was told there was no generic for Niaspan, and my co-payment for a 90-day supply (90 pills ) would be $ 75.
Included in the package with the Niaspan from Right Source was a prescription data sheet which clearly stated the generic for Niaspan is niacin — an over the counter drug. I checked on the product at Wal-Mart’s Pharmacy in Rogers and found I could indeed purchase Niacin 500 mg., coated, flush free, 120 tablets — for $ 8. 95.
I consulted my doctor’s office and advised them what I had discovered. I was told it would be acceptable to switch from Niaspan, at $ 343. 26 for 90 tablets, to niacin, at $ 8. 95 for 120 tablets.
Nearing 80 years of age, I — like untold millions of elderly who depend on their Social Security checks for their primary income, and Medicare for their medical needs — am very much concerned about reaching that so-called “ donut hole” in the drug plan, which forces us to pay the full price of their prescription drugs. Pardon my English, but that’s one hell of a lot of difference between paying $ 343. 26 and $ 8. 95 for the same medicine.
There can be but one conclusion: when your physician fails you, your insurance provider fails you and your prescription provider fails you — all three fail you — that conclusion is greed.
One must wonder just how many untold millions of citizens are paying exorbitant prices for prescription meds and prescribed generic drugs when over-thecounter, inexpensive drugs with the same ingredients which provide the same effect may be available, but do not command high return to physicians, pharmaceuticals and the druggist.
While our Congress and the Food and Drug Administration struggle to determine which of the medical world’s lobbyist to serve from day to day, I struggle day to day to live within my limited Social Security income. It is very obvious which of us is on the losing end of this stick. ELMER CRUMBLISS