Quote:
Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
The problem is that it's not a free market for the rich either. Very few people pay full price for drugs. Generally only medicare recipients (until this year). Most people have insurance coverage to pay for them. If they don't, they can't afford the drugs. The drug companies set really high prices hoping a couple people will pay it, knowing that for the most part they'll discount the price 75-90% for insurance. It's also not free because most of the buyers are price insensitive, for two reasons. First, they're not paying, or they pay a co-pay. Second, if you need drugs, you pay for it. While the second is part of a free market (think gasoline)
|
Though, many generics are actually surprisingly cheap. Sometimes less than a health plan's copay. There is an issue that doctors sometimes prescribe (or patients ask for) the latest new drug when an older, now available in generic drug may be equally or more effective. Yay advertising!
Also, did you finish this post? It seems like it cuts off in the middle.
