HCV Treatment Medicare

Question

Hi while searching to try to find information about how different states are handling Medicaid payments for HCV Drugs I came across this article in the Washington Post from 6 days ago.  While it is interesting,the comments attached to this article are eye opening. It shows what people think about having to finance this new drug , Sovaldi, with their tax dollars.  The ignorance is amazing.  I guess because others don't have it they don't think they should have to finance it.  I think they are focusing on Sovaldi because when it came out it was $1,000 a pill.  I don't think they understand that Incivek and Victrellis were just as expensive in their own way.  One person actually said "immigrants need to be stopped at the border to stop the transmission" What?!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/medicare-spent-45-billion-on-new-hepatitis-c-drugs-last-year-data-shows/2015/03/29/66952dde-d32a-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html

dontworry_behappy1 · Accepted Answer

This is a interesting article with transparency about the status of the cure
for everyone.  The fact that there are not provisions for the government to 
negotiate for rebates is making the government pay top price for the drug.
Clearly, isn't affordable under the current conditions.   Gilead could offer there product at a reduced price to the government as is done with private
insurance companies.  That sounds way to easy.  Its complicated.  

All drugs historically are presented at a inflated price.  Giving the drug companies the chance to make as much money as possible.  Over the years the price goes down.  They also are high just before they go to generic and if a better product isn't available.   I expect Hepatitis C Drugs will go down in cost in the future.  The sad thing is the latest and greatest are not alway available for those who can't afford the cost.  This isn't new its been has happening for decades. 

There are countries that don't allow people in their country who test positive for Hepatitis C antibodies.   You should check for this if you are positive for
Hepatitis C antibodies before accepting work in another country.  

I believe Incivek would have been the drug of choice for medicaid patients
due to the fact it would be less expensive by now.   I'm sure the government could have gotten that drug at a reduced price.  But then it was
taken off the market.   Now we can only look to the future which is searching for the one pill cure.   Then todays drugs will be offered at a reduced price to the government.   

I don't wish Incivek on anyone.  The American poor are luck to have dodged that bullet.  In fact,  I think I should be provided a rebate just for
taking Incivek.

dontworry_behappy1 · Answer

Here is a recent article about the high cost drugs and Medicaid.  No easy
answer.   

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/HealthPolicy/50917

Dee1956 · Answer

Hey there my friend! Thanks so much!  I agree with you, I would not wish Incivek on anyone but it did save my life so I am grateful.  I am also grateful that I did not have to deal with all of the red tape that others are dealing with.
Thanks so much!
Dee

dontworry_behappy1 · Answer

Here is a resent article concerning the cost of drugs in the United States.

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article17411552.html

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