The drug importation bill that passed the Senate Monday is too messed up to have any impact — kind of like Congress as a whole right now. The legislation requires the Bush administration to certify the safety and effectiveness of drugs before they can be imported, which the administration says it can’t do. Drug safety is crucial, of course, but as long as Congress refuses to do anything about skyrocketing drug prices in this country, it should allow U.S. consumers the opportunity to buy prescriptions affordably from reputable foreign sources.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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98 Comments
Drug imports are pretty cheap now considering all the safe harbor cities in the US for illegal immigrants.
Oh wait, you were talking about legal drugs.
I just picked up a couple of items from the pharmancy, $12.00 after co-pay. Yeah, nearly broke my bank account.
How smug republican - not everyone has insurance with low co-pays like you.
Typical Republican response - I’ve got mine and to hell with you.
I think this would be most helpful to people who are elderly or have chronic conditions. That’s when the expenses become a major burden.Republican, your comment was lacking any compassion whatsoever.
Walk a mile in my shoes.
I am concerned about importing drugs from other countries. I am concerned about quality, about tampering, and I think that that the countries in question will react, in order to keep their OWN supplies intact from the pharms. I generally think it is a bad idea.
Republican,
One of the cheapest, most addictive, most dangerous and most readily available controlled substances isn’t an import - it’s homemade methamphetamine. It’s cooked up in trailer parks all over the country, using ingredients supplied by America’s pharmaceutical industry. This is the same industry who supports every Republican candidate with his or her hand out, and that has consistently opposed regulation of their products that are used in meth production.
Nice try on making this an immigration issue, though.
Littlejohn - the drugs we are talking about are made at the same manufacturing plant which are FDA approved, same manufacturer adn same ingredients. The only difference is that when it comes to America - the price is inflated beyond all reason.
I find it interesting that the most inflated drugs are those that Americans are being marketed quite heavily on television advertisements. Coincidence? I think not.So where is the
Apprantly Congress and the president oppose the use of the “free market”
Yeah cat, smug…I planned for my health insurance, saved to a medical account…You know actually took responsibility to ensure I would be covered if anything medically related happened.
Responsible behavior, yeah…how smug.
Medical accounts do not have co-pays. Insurance has co-pays.
Republican is covered by the VA, the same big gov’t program that he votes to deny others.
How can he justify that level of selfishness?
He “earned” it.
Am I the only one that caught the line in the lead:
“…but as long as Congress refuses to do anything about skyrocketing drug prices in this country.”
The Democratic controlled Congress. The one that accused the last Congress of doing nothing doesn’t seem to be as productive as its PR releases suggested….
Actually, I’m covered by Tri-Care and my own Medical Account through Mutual of Omaha.
Some of us plan for contingency, while others just whine about the people that did and call them smug.
“…certify the safety and effectiveness of drugs before they can be imported,…”
What wrong with this? Seems to be common sense.
Medical accounts do not have co-pays. Insurance has co-pays.Posted by: same | May 08, 2007 at 02:01 PM
same,You are correct in saying that , but I have the Health Savings account, along with a Health insurance package that provides an option for pharmancy co-pays which I took.
It’s been worth every penny I spend every month for extra insurance coverage.
Rhonda really butchered this information.
Here’s the full story:
Reducing the Cost of Prescription Drugs
On January 10, 2007
Senator Byron Dorgan introduced bipartisan legislation with Olympia Snowe (R–ME) and many others to drive down the high cost of prescription medicines. Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D–IL) and Jo Ann Emerson (R–MO) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
American consumers pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. It is no wonder that Americans turn to Canada to buy more affordable prescription drugs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed what many Americans already know – the same brand name drugs cost 35–55 percent less in other countries than they do in the United States.
The Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act will allow American consumers, pharmacies and drug wholesalers to import FDA–approved prescription drugs at substantially lower prices available on the world market. The CBO estimates that this legislation will result in $50 billion in direct savings over the next decade, with $6.1 billion of that in savings to the federal government.
The legislation does more than just make drug importation legal — it makes it safe. The bill includes a range of safety features intended to guarantee that only safe, FDA–approved prescription drugs are imported.
The legislation has strong bipartisan support and has been endorsed by a number of consumer organizations including the AARP.http://dorgan.senate.gov/issues/families/rx/
The Repukes didn’t want to go on record as stiffing their constituents by kissing Big Pharma’s ass–even though they’ve been doing it for decades.
So they came up with a clever plan to tack on an amendment that requires the FDA to inspect every imported drug shipment, even when it comes (as the majority do) from our own American drug labs.
Bush FDA has already said it will not do this. So, the Repukes get to kill a bill that cuts drug prices in the name of “safety” and thus service their corporate pay-masters like the whores they are.
Olympia Snow, Raum Emanuel, AARP
No thanks.
Bullsh*t, Republican.
Unless you’re covered at work–and you’ve already made the rationalization that your bad back won’t permit you to get a full-time job–that would mean that you have to pay your own insurance.
I’m estimating that a geezer like you with at least one serious pre-existing condition would have to shell out 500 a month for health insurance.
How can you afford that if you don’t have a job and don’t get any gov’t help?
Something is not adding up here.
Let’s hear what you’ve got this time, Republican.
This should be good.
Fleettwood’s opinion?
No thanks.
Hey Republican, you stupid arrogant creep, some people pay $100s for their prescription meds. Others can’t afford them at all and do without. Do a little research next time before you act so callous. Oh, I am sorry, callous Republican, that’s redundant isn’t it.
Ah, ha!
Turns out that Tri-Care is actually just military insurance. It’s like Medicaid for military people.
In fact, they even have a table that compares costs and benefits for Medicaid and Tri-Care.
http://www.tricare.mil/
So Republican IS on government welfare just like we said.
Okay Dan Warren, will do. Sorry you cannot plan for contingency past the tip of your nose.
Perhaps Billary will build a Nanny State health care system for you like Canada. Then you can wait six months to a year before you can get into to see a Doctor.
Oh wait, Canadians are now buying private health care insurance so they can see Doctors in a timely fashion.
How’s that nanny state health care system working for them?
The Canadians wanted to avoid paying health care insurance and look what happened to them.
Perhaps it’s time to grow up in the adult world Dan Warren and realize that if you don’t plan to take care of yourself, no one else is going to do it for you.
“So Republican IS on government welfare just like we said.”
Wouldn’t that have been earned?You see, Libs, welfare is given, not earned.
Really Capn, Tricare is insurance that we pay for out of own pockets? What a great idea…
There is no such thing as free health insurance, unless your a member of Congress.
I think Capn is using Doug’s ventriloquist lessons to speak out of his ass again.
Yeah, free medical care insurance that military and retired pay out of their own pocket. Leeching off the government, yeah…that’s the ticket.
This from the guy who’s sucking on government teat more than any of us here.
You say you’ve got a bad back . . . are you sure that the unbelievable hypocrisy isn’t PHYSICALLY CRIPPLING you?
How much do you pay a month, Republican?
Capn,
The Internet is full of opportunities where one doesn’t have to leave their home to work.
Of course, it does require some time and common sense.
Not everyone works out of square office room with a water cooler and artificial plants.
“Of course, it does require some time and common sense.”
What do you use as a substitute for the common sense?
Republican–
I’m on a pretty typical employee group plan. It costs my employer some 365 dollars a month and it costs me about 25.
So let’s call that 400 a month.
Now you’re telling me that a single, disabled individual like yourself with beau coup medical needs and no group plan can afford out of pocket insurance with no government help and no visible means of support.
Bullsh*t. Bull F*CKING sh*t.
There’s no way you could get the kind of care you claim you have without paying 600-800 a month.
And unless you’re selling HEROIN on the internet, you’re not making that kind of jack.
What a f*cking liar. And absolutely shameless.
This is important stuff we’re talking about here, Republican.
Whether an average American can really afford our system of healthcare and drug delivery.
And you have the unmitigated gall to lie out your ass just to score some “points” for your side.
What do you use as a substitute for the common sense?
Posted by: WSClark | May 08, 2007 at 03:17 PM
By not repeating the mistakes that you have done WSClark of wife beating and non-payment of alimony/child support and tax evasion.
Maybe I have an employer Capn?
Go take your blood pressure medication now Capn before you pop a vein and stroke out.
So you DO have an employer now?
Because before you said you couldn’t get full-time work.
It’s just so hard to keep all the lies straight . . .
“By not repeating the mistakes that you have done WSClark of wife beating and non-payment of alimony/child support and tax evasion.”
So, instead of common sense you use ad hominem attacks?
Brilliant!!!
But for the record, I have never been arrested for anything, including wife beating, never was ordered to pay alimony and I had custody of my children so I didn’t have to pay child support either and the state and the Feds owe me money.
So far, Repuke, you are oh for four.
Of course, you wouldn’t know anything about children, being that you have never married and are still a virgin.
Republican,Your confusing WSClark with newt gingrich. Silly monkey.
“By not repeating the mistakes that you have done WSClark of wife beating and non-payment of alimony/child support and tax evasion.”
By not repeating the mistakes that you have done WSClark of wife beating and non-payment of alimony/child support and tax evasion.
Posted by: Republican | May 08, 2007 at 03:33 PM
What the hell!! You know that you don’t have to type EVERYTHING that comes into that brain of yours.
Republican,
I’ve watched you scrape the barrel for insults, but that one wins the prize. I’m pretty certain you can’t stoop any lower.
“It costs my employer some 365 dollars a month…”
No, it costs YOU that much money. It’s part of the package. You just don’t see it.
Hehehe, yeah, sure, Fleettwood.
I’m sure that if my employer didn’t have to offer it as a benefit, they would just give to us in cash.
Those people in management are just like that, always thinking about us and our needs.
Lord, how we love them.
And btw, Fleettwood, that HELPS our argument.
The point is that if drugs were priced fairly, they would be cheaper.
And so whoever has to pay for them would pay less. Whether you pay your own way, like I do, or suck the government’s teat like Republican does.
Interesting how the CONs love “market-place discipline” until it comes to buying American drugs for the price that Canadians buy them at.
Wahaha, poor big multinational pharmaceutical companies, always getting picked on by the mean Libs.
Capn,it is called a benfit, that is what employers use to lure employees to work for them and to keep them employed at their company, if an employer offers better benefits he is more likly to get and keep better employees.. If I find an employer with better benefits that benefit me and my family I would go work for that company..
Tom–
If you want to see Republican stoop lower, go back to January when he had an emotional melt-down and vowed never to come back.
Mighty entertaining!
BG–
Uh, right.
I agree.
Tom,”Republican,I’ve watched you scrape the barrel for insults, but that one wins the prize. I’m pretty certain you can’t stoop any lower.”
Please don’t tempt him with such a challenge.
Somebody’s lying through their teeth and has been since he first showed up on this blog.
Republican (how aptly named), I think Tom is wrong. I’m betting you can stoop a lot lower.
Yes Capn, that meltdown if you read the last post was my fole-playing a Lib, the perpetual victim.
That’s right Morg and I still don’t like Newt Ginrich and never did. I think he is fun to listen to. He just can’t connect his higher cognitive functions to real life.
Capn sucking on the member of his employer. His employer pays for almost of his health care insurance costs and he’s whining.
Republican,
I’ve watched you scrape the barrel for insults, but that one wins the prize. I’m pretty certain you can’t stoop any lower. Posted by: Tom | May 08, 2007 at 03:56 PM
You mean like WSClark telling Fleettwood that he rapes his dead daughter?
WSClark feeds from that stuff, he generates by far the most of the nasties on this blog.
I think Tom is wrong.Posted by: Infernal B | May 08, 2007 at 04:14 PM
I’m trying to be optimistic and see the best in people.
Heh.
BG - You’re right that benefits are what lure employees to certain companies, but that’s a big part of the problem today. Companies have to pay SO MUCH MORE for good American employees in large part due to health insurance, that it is cheaper for them to go elsewhere for labor. Look at the big auto makers, and you will see that they are being drug under by the anchor that is healthcare, not only for their current employees, but their retired employees as well. We would be doing corporate America a favor as well as Joe Schmoe in lowering the cost of Rx drugs. It’s a start in the right direction.
What is the difference, Republican - Fleetwood (at that time) suggested I was a traitor to my country and should be hanged.
I suggested that he might have killed and raped his daughter.
Which is worse?
Canadian health insurance is determined by each province, therefore, one province may have exceptional care, while another may not. That’s why you see SOME Canadians coming to the U.S. for health care.
Get a clue before spewing GOP talking points.
Many of the “Canadian” prescription drugs coming into the U.S. were made in…(wait for it)…the U.S. We sell our drugs to Canada cheap, and they can ship it back to individuals, undercutting U.S. prices.
“Something is not adding up here.”Well, darn, Capn, you beat me to it.
Republican - Didn’t your momma ever tell you just because your friends (or enemies) are doing it that doesn’t make it right?
WS Clark: Shame on you for saying anything like that. Disgusting.
Republican: Interesting that you’d take my criticism of your comments and turn them into an attack on WSClark. I wasn’t talking about him; I was talking about *you.* And what *you* just said was pretty effin’ low.
Republican–
I wondered how you would use the personal information I post to jiu-jitsu me with it.
Never fails.
I’m not whining about my medical plan. Far from it.
But I’m concerned about small business employees like my daughter who doesn’t get it.
And I’m concerned at the growing and unsustainable rate at which medical care takes a bigger and bigger percentage of our nation’s income.
But these are the things I’d say to someone who cares about the issues.
You only care about playing games of web deception.
I suggested that he might have killed and raped his daughter.
Which is worse?
Posted by: WSClark | May 08, 2007 at 04:20 PM
WSC - Personally I think it’s worse that you suggested he killed and raped his daughter. I know you didn’t ask my opinion, but there it is.
The problem with relying on imports is that the pharmaceutical companies can restrict the supply to the government of a certain country. This would, of course, make it impractical to export any drugs if the supply was designed to meet the demand of that country’s citizens only.
If we get into ‘generic’ drugs produced in the country from whom the same are imported, then there are some legitimate quality control issues, depending upon the country. However, most of the furor in the past has been reimportation of pharmaceuticals produced in the U.S., sold to Canada, then purchased by U.S. citizens, about which there should be no legitmate quality control issues.
Really TDT? Betraying one’s country is a lessor crime than killing a child?
Both are disgusting, horrid acts.
The difference is, the Republicans like to accuse people like me of treason/sedition all the time - they find that it “irritates” liberals.
They get a taste of their own medicine and they cry like babies.
I don’t feel bad for the statement I made. If you read the whole post, it was putting into context accusing someone of a horrible crime - one aggravated murder and the other treason.
The point was, how was my accusation any worse than Fleetwoods accusation?
Read the whole story before you judge.
Thank you, VT.
He cuts through the haze and the spin and goes right to the point.
That’s exactly it: how can US companies object to their own drugs getting reimported on SAFETY grounds?
They can’t, but they are, so we can’t buy our drugs at Canada’s prices.
The Republicans have made sure that even Medicare cannot negotiate for drug prices.
Why do think that Donald Rumsfailed worked for a huge pharmacuetical firm . . . his health?
Let’s see here; when publican brags about his $12 co-pay, he’s failing to mention the cost of the insurance, which either he or us taxpayers are paying for. He also fails to note that portion of our taxes that go to help those who can’t afford $250 per each prescriptions, and to cover the tax breaks given pharmaceutical corporations. He also doesn’t mention that the drugs our taxes and insurance buy were originally developed at taxpayer’s expense with govt grants. He also missed the fact that employers include the cost of insurance in the benefits package offered employees, so in essence they come out of the employees pocket, not the employers. So, add all that to his $12 co-pay, and it’s a pretty high price for a bottle of pills it costs about 2cents to make, and for which R&D costs were long ago recouped.
TDT,”Republican - Didn’t your momma ever tell you just because your friends (or enemies) are doing it that doesn’t make it right?”
No, his momma told him to go ahead and jump off the bridge with his friends. That’s why he’s a Bushie republican!
Great post (4:46), Jed.
That’s a keeper.
Lots of good information there that far too few of us are really aware of . . .
Taxpayers Capn? I’m a taxpayer as well. And what I paid in income taxes, I pretty much paid for my own health care and benefits.
But do continue sucking on your employer’s member for more benefits.
But do continue sucking on your employer’s member for more benefits.Posted by: Republican | May 08, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Tell us, Republican, what “member” you’re referring to?
Big toe?
Nose?
Something in between, perhaps?
Tell us.
Don’t be coy.
You can rationalize it anyway you want to, Republican.
The fact is that you’re on the government dole.
And if you weren’t, you couldn’t survive.
So much for all that “personal responsibility” crap . . .
Member of his choice Tom. I will leave the more sophisticated member selection to pros like yourself.
Republican,
You continue to be coy. It’s not cute for a man your age. Find a new pickup tactic.
:)
You should be able to get the counterfeit drugs from outside of the United States. You should also remember that you are not allowed to sue those companies when they supply you counterfeit drugs.
There are actually 3 types of Tri - Care Insurance — 2 of which require an annual insurance premium payment (small compared to civilian health plans - but still same concept much like an HMO) difference in the 2 pay insurance plans is deductibles, co-pays, level of pharmacy payments ….. the standard plan covers active duty and deependents
Bad back ? I thought some one threw an airplane at him ? My impression is that with a service related disability costs of the meds to treat the disability are free (I may be wrong) through either the VA, or through the tricare standard program …
. retired with a service disability — eligible for virtually free health care for life
That’s right Ken. Now post your photo on some more bisexual websites.
I count my blessing that I have insurance that is covering 100% of my medicine.Instead of being classed as prescription, it is classed as major medical.The medicine is Enbrel, the cost is over $800 dollars per a month for the rest of my life.Republican, count your blessing that you don’t succumb to life crippling disease yet.Shit happens then we die.
“That’s right Ken. Now post your photo on some more bisexual websites.”
What? Ken is a reasonable Christian individual - why that comment? He deserves a Hell of a lot more respect than that.
He deserves a Hell of a lot more respect than you do.
Christ, you are losing your mind, Republican.
Republican, the “civil” poster.
WSC, you’re wrong, he lost his mind some time ago.
I am sorry, SD, I was giving him the benefit of the doubt.
I have to wonder, if he attacks a mild-mannered good guys like Ken, WHO does he like?
George Lincoln Rockwell?
Sorry all, reading these blogs, i’m sitting here wondering, replying to republicons insanity (he does that same stupid stuff over and over) or those that spend 1 second of their time responding to him.
http://outpersonals.com/search/g767291-pct.subnetfirms&show=M-BC&age=55-65&country=United%20States&state=Kansas&18PG=159 year old ManLooking for Men or Bi Couples (woman and bi man)Living in Mulvane, Kansas
Why are you lurking about on that website, Republican?
I clicked once on your link and went back after ten seconds. Why are you searching that site?
It’s the Website that someone previously mentioned was looking for a BI relationship that had the same email as the someone previously mentioned. I know his full name and address, but just decided to post the link. :)
My hope is that, after 2008, the Democrats will be in charge and start to fix the medical mess in this country.
I am on 4 prescriptions and I am lucky in that I don’t pay anything for them but I feel for those who do.
WS,”That’s right Ken. Now post your photo on some more bisexual websites.Posted by: Republican”
Unfortunately upthread, Tom suggested that republican couldn’t stoop lower than his previous insult toward you. So republican just HAD to prove Tom wrong. Someday repub is going to look in a mirror and commit suicide, but until then, we’re stuck with that sorry excuse for humanity.
I do not often agree completely with Ken but I have to say that I compltely respect the man and will defend his right to his opinion and his faith.
Quite honestly, I feel he is an honorable man that that deserves respect.
Yes, the truth on both occasions, I’m a terrible person for stating the truth.
Can’t believe I used to be a Republican!!
Sorry you are burdened with such a cost for Enbrel. I guess it’s really effective for severe arthritis from what I read?
One of the reasons I got a Health Savings account is to pay for procedures and medications that are not covered by my medical plans.
Even on normal treatment, like the constant care of old wounds that pop open now and then, wound care management costs me about $500.00 of out of pocket expenses, even though I am covered by two different medical insurances.
When I first went in the promise was free medial and dental care for the rest of your life if you retire from the military. I was medically retired and Congress changed the rules. Like it or not I have to pay for Medical and Dental Insurance out of my own pocket. And, I always pay something to a Medial Provider even though I have insurance. Those so-called low co-pays can turn out to be quite expensive.
My health savings account has a debit card that I can use if I need to extract some funds. Haven’t done it yet, but it’s there if I need it.
Otherwise, I’d be tempted to spend it on frivolous things that I don’t need.
You and ksfrmgrrl seem to have an obsession on who people are.
They even try to make a conspiracy out of who I am.
Posted by: Republican | May 07, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Tell it to Ken, Republican . . .
Someday repub is going to look in a mirror and commit suicide, but until then, we’re stuck with that sorry excuse for humanity. _ Jed
C’mon Jed. That’s kind of pathetic jackal-type behavior, don’t you think? You don’t usually write things like that.
How does Big Pharma make Big Money? Not on out-of-patent generics. It relies on new patented drugs. How does it create these new drugs?
A. By hiring scientists whose education was paid for with public dollars.
B. By mining publicly-financed basic research findings.
This is called socializing the costs, and privatizing the gains. It’s a nice scheme if you can get into it.
Moreover, Big Pharma gets restrictive FDA drug-marketing approvals that prohibit later-invented just-as-effective drugs from being competitively marketed. Being just as good isn’t “good enough”.
Consider what Dell Inc would be today had it been restricted in its early years to selling only computers that had faster microprocessors and disc drives than Compaq PCs. Suppose too that every computer Michael Dell wanted to sell, superior to Compaq models, required a 2-year approval process. By the time the Dell PCs got approved, they would be inferior to machines marketed in the rest of the world.
The original Food and Drug Act was passed to prevent the sale of quack patent medicines and contaminated food products. It was not intended to preclude the competitive marketing of medically-effective drugs. Today we are saddled with competitive-drug-marketing preclusion.
Do we want safe drugs, imported from Canada? It’s easy. Drugs have lot numbers. We set up scanning procedures that record and check bar-code lot numbers that correspond to mandatory reporting by drug manufacturers. If drug companies fail to timely report their lot numbers, they lose their patents. One time, they get a pass. Second time, end of discussion.
Then with reported lot numbers being scanned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at the Canadian-American border, if the scanners show non-recorded lot numbers, the carriers are arrested, threatened with 10 year prison sentences unless they reveal their sources, which are then inspected. Counterfeit drug suppliers get 20 years imprisonment. If the suppliers can prove they got their drugs from FDA-approved manufacturers, then the first time the drug makers get a warning. Second time, kiss their patents and FDA exclusive marketing approvals good bye.This is much more doable than running complex chemical tests on every drug-import shipment.
You and ksfrmgrrl seem to have an obsession on who people are.
They even try to make a conspiracy out of who I am.
Posted by: Republican | May 07, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Tell it to Ken, Republican . . .
Posted by: CapnAmerica | May 08, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Actually Clueless Capn, I already know who Ken is, even have his photo.
You and ksfarmgrrl, on the other hand are mired in conspiracy and impotent guessing. :)
My, my, this poor old republican is sure into this “impotent”, “single testicle”, etc. accusations. Makes one wonder, does he project much?
Why, I guess he does.
Folks, I have not read much anything on this thread, have been on the road all day. However, I think I know a little bit about the subject and wanted to post something before I hit the road again.
(Man, Ben, did you have anything to do with the flood control up in Ottawa, on US 59 across the La Cygna River, wow, that is something else, saw it in action today!)
Anyway, busy week for me, traveling all over the state.
Forgive any repititions, please, but we CAN buy foreign drugs, over the internet, NOW!
We just cant charge those drugs to “Part D” Medicare.Most other Insurance Plans wont cover those foreign drugs, either.
Those drugs MIGHT be illegal.
However, to date,NO CONSUMER, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, HAS GONE TO JAIL FOR BUYING VIAGRA OR ANY OTHER NON NARCOTIC DRUG OVER THE INTERNET.Please name the individual and the circumstances, if I am wrong, would you please?
Type the name of any drug into your browser.You will get several offers to sell you that drug.
Also, Canada Drug of Kansas is still operating in Wichita.352 S. West Street945-6337
Wichita Eagle: Do you propose the elimination of the FDA?
Why have an FDA if we don’t follow FDA guidlines?
Why have an FDA if we are going to force insurance companies to allow the purchase of foreign drugs under their contracts?
Who do we sue now?
Those people who buy their drugs from foreign sources are paying a lower price for many reasons. Less government regulation, in foreign countries, is one of the reasons that their drugs are cheaper.
A ban on most lawsuits against medical personel and the drug manufacturers and distributors is another reason that foreign drugs are cheaper.
The Eagle, in particular, and liberals, in general, don’t seem to understand that regulations have costs and benefits.
Lawsuits also have costs and benefits.
Want cheaper drugs?
Fine, we can “pay” for lower drug prices by protecting the manufacturers of the drugs, the doctors who prescribe the drugs and the pharmacy that distributes the drugs. This is what other countries do to keep down costs.
We can also bring down the costs by reducing safety standards.
I am guessing that most people would rather keep things the way they are.
“Buy your drugs overseas if you wish, we wont arrest you for it, but we wont make your insurance company pay for it and you can’t sue the manufacturer for drugs you did not buy through a legal, US source!”
That is the defacto US policy.
Congress, a DEMOCRAT Congress, seems to support that status-quo, at least for now.
Maybe, soon, Congress will cap lawsuits or abolish the FDA — but don’t hold your breath!
Let’s abolish the FDA. Let Paul Rossell suffer the consequences.
I would be okay with that, anyone else?
Considering the questionable practices of the FDA, I’m all for abolishing it. Big pharma has them in their pocket.
Outie,”C’mon Jed. That’s kind of pathetic jackal-type behavior, don’t you think? You don’t usually write things like that.”
Sorry, you’re right, I don’t usually get that cruel, but if you read his posts I think you’ll find I was sorely provoked. This guy “republican” is just plain vicious for the sake of viciousness and if he wants to blog, I’m sure Limbaugh has a site suited to his so-called personality.
If Republican has low cost health insurance he EARNED for military service, then he is not sucking on government teet. HE EARNED IT!
“Typical Republican response - I’ve got mine and to hell with you.” However, that quote does pretty much sum up the way it is with the current Republican party. “Real” Republican principles would be to open up/flood the market with competetion for the benefit of consumers, NOT protect campaign contributors.
Let’s not forget the biggest problem with our health care system is the unisured themselves. They still get treated, and the costs are passed on to those who can pay through insurance or other means.
I’m not giving blanket sympathy for the uninsured though. My company has just changed providers, saving employee’s bucko moola. All who were uninsured under the more expensive plan, are still uninsured under the cheaper one. I see these people spend as much on lunches and beer as it would cost to be properly insured like a good citizen. Alot of the problem of the unisured is the blame of the uninsured themselves! That fact cannot be ignored. That doesn’t mean we can’t be sympathetic to the others though.
I paid nearly $800/mo for family medical insurance coverage for years. It is a national crisis.
You got a point there, FF.
We’ve got a few stupid idiots that don’t take out our plan too.
That’s just another reason why a single-payer nationalized system– like 38 other industrialized countries in the world have– would immediately cut costs to everyone.
Everyone is covered.
KEN–
Don’t stop posting.
Just change your nic-name and your e-mail and come back as someone totally different.
That’s what Republican does . . .
Everybody sing,
“I’m going DOWN TO MISSISSIPPI
DOWN TO MISSISSIPPI
Down to Mississippi, where I was born
Down to Mississippi, where I come from
Waaay Down in Mississippi . . .”
steven
I am not speaking out of self interest but out of national interest.Part D is a money waster and time waster for me.It is pure pro-bono work.However, It has done a vast amount of good.So has the FDA.Face it, liberals like regulations — but they hate it if any private organization profits from those regulations.I generally support the FDA.Liberals are conflicted on the issue, not me.