I just did a rough calculation . . .

If there are currently 25,000 people on Tysabri (6% of PwMS in the US), at an average cost of $75,000 per patient, the health care costs for that new drug alone are astronomical:

25,000
$75,000
$1,875,000,000 per YEAR

That doesn't include steroid treatments, twice per year MRI's, several phone calls and visits to doctors and neurologists, etc.

We have a ridiculously expensive disease to treat, and once the R&D is paid, the pharma's are making HUGE profits off us. Perhaps this is where the anger should be directed!?

If we want to reduce costs, this can be partially in our control too by not incurring unnecessary costs. For example, do we really need to know if we have one more lesion every 6 months (new MRI)? Do we need to get back to work one week earlier by using steroids every time? Do we need to reduce our average of 1.5 relapses every two years by 68% (instead of 30% with the CRABs) vs. 0% with no drugs . . .?

Part of the philosophy behind a "user pays/co-pay" approach is to put some amount of onus on the "user" to make reasonably cost-effective decisions . . . or PAY.

(Not saying this is my opinion, as I sit in my ivory tower not having to pay any costs for anything . . . I'm just saying that's how it works in a capitalist economy).

Cherie

I understand your point, Cheri, and don't disagree..The problem is, how can one be "cost effective" when the drug companies are charging $1500 to $2000 a month or even more for the only drugs available for your medical condition? My insurance is decent, but I rarely get MRI's because even with insurance, I have to pay $2000-$3000 (depending on how extensive the MRI is)..I still have to pay ridiculously high monthly premiums, but don't get the medical testing I probably should and stick to the cheap drugs like LDN because of the high co-pays/deductables..It really is outrageous.

i switched from cobra to medicare this month.
shared solutions called me and told me my co-pay for my copaxone was going to be $600! i used to pay $20.

i'm going to ask my dr if he thinks i really need it.
but if it's working do i dare stop?
the risk may not be worth it.

It is outrageous, I agree completely. I blame the pharma's mostly, although I must admit I don't know how much profit the insurance companies are making there either.

Some people just can't cut back. I cost my insurance company $25 a month for LDN, and have had only one MRI once over 17 yrs. I don't have to pay for testing or meds either . . . so it's not a personal cost issue for me.

Some people will take, take, take though . . . and those are the one's that could make some changes to benefit others, or pay slightly higher premiums for the better of all. Unfortunately, some people can be fairly self-centered about this kind of issue though.



If I was doing well on my med of choice, and I could somehow afford to continue to use it, I would. It is a very difficult situation . . . when finances can be the deciding factor over health.

Cherie