Do you feel trapped by medical costs -- paying more and more out of pocket while receiving, or foregoing, necessary care or drugs?
This week on The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide, Rita R. Robison, consumer journalist, tackles the issue of Prescription Drug Prices Rising -- to the point where some people are unable to fill their prescriptions. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, 25% of Americans who regularly take a prescription drug say they now pay more out of pocket than they did 12 months ago.
Some of the price increases are substantial -- 24% of regular prescription takers said they paid $50 or more out of pocket for a single prescription this year than they did for the same medication last year. And 15% paid $100 more than they did in 2016. One result? Some 14% of those surveyed said they didn’t fill their prescription due to the increased cost.
On a related note, Carol Cassara points out that you can feel trapped when you're suffering from a disease, especially cancer, but it's important to keep a positive attitude, for your thoughts and feelings can certainly affect your health. In Chemo & the Mind Body Connection she points out that stress and negative thinking can increase heart rate and blood pressure and may even be a contributing factor to heart attacks and stroke. But now an increasing number of scientific studies show that the mind can also support whatever treatment a patient is getting through affirmations and other positive thoughts and thus can play a role in helping heal as well.
Meanwhile, Laura Lee Carter saw an old movie this week -- Easy Rider, remember that one? -- which made her reflect on how much she has changed since 1969, and how most of the changes have come since she escaped the trap of her city life and struck out for the hills of rural Colorado. But whether you live in the country or the city, she says in Easy Rider: The View from 62, you can certainly appreciate and maybe recognize how she has learned a lot about her biases and judgments of people she doesn't know -- and how she has lightened the load of judgments on those who don't look or talk like her.
Kathy Gottberg asks us if we ever get caught up in thinking or doing things that you know aren't healthy or good for you. In The Art of Trapology, or a Bedtime Story for Thriving and Happy Adults she reviews a new business-parable book called Trap Tales -- Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success that offers a number of great life lessons and also provides a fun way to learn and become a certified trapologist!
Finally, Meryl Baer never seems to sit still long enough to be caught in a trap. Following a few weeks spent at home, she is once more on the road. Her travels began not in the air or the sea, or comfortably seated on a bus or train, but in her small but extremely efficient car. Read about the first day of her latest escape in Was Driving Ever Fun?
Well ... whatever. To be philosophical about it, take a look at the Robert Frost quote from Heart, Mind, Soul. Maybe you'll get an inspiration for living your best life, which after all, is the most important thing we can ever ask for.
Meanwhile, Laura Lee Carter saw an old movie this week -- Easy Rider, remember that one? -- which made her reflect on how much she has changed since 1969, and how most of the changes have come since she escaped the trap of her city life and struck out for the hills of rural Colorado. But whether you live in the country or the city, she says in Easy Rider: The View from 62, you can certainly appreciate and maybe recognize how she has learned a lot about her biases and judgments of people she doesn't know -- and how she has lightened the load of judgments on those who don't look or talk like her.
Finally, Meryl Baer never seems to sit still long enough to be caught in a trap. Following a few weeks spent at home, she is once more on the road. Her travels began not in the air or the sea, or comfortably seated on a bus or train, but in her small but extremely efficient car. Read about the first day of her latest escape in Was Driving Ever Fun?
Well ... whatever. To be philosophical about it, take a look at the Robert Frost quote from Heart, Mind, Soul. Maybe you'll get an inspiration for living your best life, which after all, is the most important thing we can ever ask for.
12 comments:
If Congress ever got the gumption to address pharmaceutical companies pricing they might more realistically be able to address the health care situation, too. Voters must hold their feet to the fire.
Yes! Congress is the problem for not allowing Medicare price competition including from international sources (e.g. Canada). However, too many Congressmen love those drug company political contributions (i.e. bribes).
Hey Tom! Thanks for including my blog post in the great bunch of interesting posts from us baby boomers. I always love how you tie such different ideas together in an interesting way. I'm looking forward to reading them all to find out what each of us finds interesting. Thanks again. ~Kathy
Hey Tom: Thanks for putting together this great group of interesting blog posts in a positive and creative way.
Great information and links. Yes, feel trapped at times. Blows me away that Medicare drugs can't be negotiated. I keep calling and writing though. Medical equipment is another big sink hole of money.
Well, try being trapped on an island in Hawaii...
Hi, Tom - This is a creative and enjoyable read that makes a very important point. Thanks for the attached links. I am off to check them out now.
wonderful and informative piece of writing
Rita's post was excellent. Who knew? "Always ask: “Is this your lowest price?” Costco told Consumer Reports that pharmacists there can’t offer customers with Medicare a lower cash price unless the customer asks.: Now we are in the market of bantering for a better price? Gosh, this is really out of control!
Over on Kathy's blog, "true happiness does not come from possessions. It comes from serving others and making meaningful contributions that benefit other people long after we are gone" AMEN!
Thank you, as normal, for the leads.
I always enjoy these posts you put together, featuring the blogs of other people. It's an overview of what other bloggers are doing, always good to know! Thanks!
Have you noticed what a large percentage of ads are from drug companies? They are rolling in the money.
This has been the problem since the day the Medicare Part D program started. I have gotten two of my prescriptions so far from Canada - it is a painless procedure if you don't need it that day. Both times I have gotten the brand name and not the generic and the cost was 1/10th of the cost here. I feel very bad for the people who forfeit medication because they can't afford it. I myself have left several prescriptions at the pharmacy when I found out the price.
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