Posted by violette on August 5, 2010, at 14:15:19
In reply to Re: Discount RX lists-chain stores, program, websites, posted by europerep on August 5, 2010, at 13:34:15
very funny lol
Yeah, the balance of capitalism vs. social good is a bit different in the US...where capitalism rules!! i think Obama is trying to change that balance towards European ideals.
It's not just mental health drugs-i cut and pasted those out of the longer lists from the websites....there are heart medications, diabetes medications etc.
I'm not sure the story behind the $4 drugs; the only thing I can think of right now is that by offering the discounts, it increases traffic at those retail stores/pharmacies. People will be more likely to pick up other items they need when they drop off/pick up scripts. Then they get in the habit of using that store when maybe before, they went somewhere else for those needs. Then-if only one store offers it, that store gets the traffic..so the other stores needed to compete. It's interesting how drug stores are popping up like crazy, so something must be working there. There are about a dozen drug stores within a few miles of my house, about 5 w/in 2 miles. It's good public relations too.
They probably make up for the prices by charging higher prices for the medications that those with insurance are more likely to purchase. There are certain meds less likely to be used by the poor than those who are insured and get expensive tests done....
Also, people are willing to pay more for critical meds-which may likely be among those for which prices were raised in order to make up for the discount drugs offered at those low prices.
Someone always pays for things offered for free, or almost free. Redistribution of wealth is not only through taxes. I personally think the discounts are a good idea. Not ideal, but a pretty creative idea if you ask me....really could have helped me all those years as these choices were not available until relatively recently. I do believe everyone should have equal health care opportunities though.
poster:violette
thread:957284
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100731/msgs/957299.html