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Drug prices going down? — Not in this universe

April 25, 2024 by Marin Leave a Comment

Sherm Frederick

Sherman R. Frederick/Properly Subversive

If another Washington politician — Democrat or Republican — lies one more time about how they are working oh-so hard to lower prescription drug prices, I’m going to send them a bill for my latest incredibly high prescription with a note that says: “You Pay It!”

As some readers who have been with me a while know, I’m on every drug known to man for an ongoing heart problem and for diabetes. After 18 stents and open heart surgery over the last 20-some years, I’ve been on an escalating regimen of lifesaving drugs. And, trust me, I am not bitching about the miracles of modern medicine. I am ticking past my due date. I am grateful to have been born in a First World country.

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But look, dear Congresscritters, I can tell you that despite your alleged hard work drug prices are not going down. My costs have gone up yearly. And, last weekend I was at a dinner party with a bunch of Las Vegas friends of my vintage. I conducted an informal survey. I could not find one person who thought they were paying less for prescription drugs today than they were at this time last year. Not one single person. 

Now, of course, that’s anecdotal evidence. Now let me get specific. Then you tell me what the hell’s wrong with drug prices in the U.S. 

In early 2024, the Mayo docs put me on a new blood thinner. It’s called Brilinta. It’s more effective, they said, for patients like me. I went to have it filled at Walgreens. The cost came $500 for a 30-day supply, with insurance. (I’m using round numbers, so please don’t write back and tell me you get it for $486.50.)

Read the full column here.

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

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