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mwooldri

(10,801 posts)

17. Another reason why the US pays way too much: no main "big customer".

Reply to Playinghardball (Original post)

Fri Jan 27, 2012, 08:49 AM

Jan 2012

In the UK, the NHS is the biggest buyer. They set the price, which includes money for the pharmacy dispensing the drug. Even then this is not perfect. The insurance companies in the US are pushing us to go for generic medicines rather than the branded ones... but there comes a time that the branded medicines are discontinued and the generics are all that is left for that particular drug. The cost for that drug comes down when there are many suppliers making that drug but goes up when the supplier for that generic-only drug goes down to one. Since that company is the only source, they can then set their own prices.

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Highlight:

Why Do Americans Pay So Much For Our Prescriptions (And Canadians Don't?) [View all] Playinghardball Jan 2012 OP

Re-importation of Canadian drugs is fine, but doesn't address the real issue. Liberal Veteran Jan 2012 #1

The drugs are made here anyway, right? Zalatix Jan 2012 #12

I think that is part of the point karynnj Jan 2012 #14

The provinces of Canada negotiate with the pharmaceuticals riverbendviewgal Jan 2012 #2

Is there any adverse impact on Canadians? Jim Lane Jan 2012 #5

It may run the risk of the insurance company forcing karynnj Jan 2012 #15

So obvious that even Timmeh Pawlenty figured it out hifiguy Jan 2012 #3

I guess Obama isn't able to do anything about this either? SammyWinstonJack Jan 2012 #4

I order my blood pressure meds from Canada. RebelOne Jan 2012 #6

We used to pay for two round-trips to Chile with the savings from prescriptions there. SharonAnn Jan 2012 #10

I want to know why Canadians pay so much more than New Zealanders do. Prometheus Bound Jan 2012 #7

Closer proximity to the American markets, maybe Posteritatis Jan 2012 #11

the U.S. has never had a 16-star flag MisterP Jan 2012 #8

Time for a kick! Quantess Jan 2012 #9

Thanks, I'll use that! pnorman Jan 2012 #13

k&r n/t RainDog Jan 2012 #16

Another reason why the US pays way too much: no main "big customer". mwooldri Jan 2012 #17

What we need is a Pharmastamp Card... aptal Jan 2012 #18