Generic medicine and doctor costs?

[SomeRandom]

So this is probably more my curiosity at my US brethren’s experiences. But this is obviously open for all to comment.

So in Australia, though we have universal healthcare (called Medicare) we do also have what’s called “out of pocket expenses.” Since our system is actually a mixture of public and private. So usually with the exception for those on Pension (retired folks) and those on Centrelink benefits (low income earners) and any emergency treatment, we do have to pay for standard doctor visits.
The system known as “bulk billing” basically means that we pay for the full amount, up to 90 AUD, depending on what the doctor charges, but we are then reimbursed at least half that amount (typically) through the Medicare system. In an attempt to keep costs low for folks.

Now this part is for my fellow Aussies mainly. Personally I think that such a system should be in all public facilities as a standard practice. Right now the government merely incentivises GPs to do so and in fairness the system is available in roughly 80% of facilities. I just think it should be standard for all publicly available practices. Thoughts? Opinions?
To Americans, does this seem like a good thing to you? Or do you have another alternative measure to propose?

The second part of my query is more aimed abroad. See in Australia when we are given a prescription usually the chemist will ask if you want the home/generic brand. Basically in addition to our price caps, we also have on the market products that are without the brand name, basically. So a cheaper version of the drug really. I think to ask the customers which they prefer is more or less required by law. Or at least is a standard policy among Pharmacy companies. Not entirely sure.
Anyways do you guys have such an option? Do you take it? Any bad experiences? Prefer the name brands?
Have at it.

 

[Orbit]

Most insurance companies require generic drugs and cover brand name drugs with a higher out of pocket co-pay.

 

[ChristineM]

So this is probably more my curiosity at my US brethren’s experiences. But this is obviously open for all to comment.

So in Australia, though we have universal healthcare (called Medicare) we do also have what’s called “out of pocket expenses.” Since our system is actually a mixture of public and private. So usually with the exception for those on Pension (retired folks) and those on Centrelink benefits (low income earners) and any emergency treatment, we do have to pay for standard doctor visits.
The system known as “bulk billing” basically means that we pay for the full amount, up to 90 AUD, depending on what the doctor charges, but we are then reimbursed at least half that amount (typically) through the Medicare system. In an attempt to keep costs low for folks.

Now this part is for my fellow Aussies mainly. Personally I think that such a system should be in all public facilities as a standard practice. Right now the government merely incentivises GPs to do so and in fairness the system is available in roughly 80% of facilities. I just think it should be standard for all publicly available practices. Thoughts? Opinions?
To Americans, does this seem like a good thing to you? Or do you have another alternative measure to propose?

The second part of my query is more aimed abroad. See in Australia when we are given a prescription usually the chemist will ask if you want the home/generic brand. Basically in addition to our price caps, we also have on the market products that are without the brand name, basically. So a cheaper version of the drug really. I think to ask the customers which they prefer is more or less required by law. Or at least is a standard policy among Pharmacy companies. Not entirely sure.
Anyways do you guys have such an option? Do you take it? Any bad experiences? Prefer the name brands?
Have at it.

France sounds similar to the Australian system, the government pays between 15% and 80% of the cost of medical care depends on procedure. The individual also takes out a private insurance to pay the balance.

A doctor's (GP) visit costs 25€ paid up front, specialists can cost more. Ameli/CPAM (The government health service) then pays its percentage back into the individuals bank (less 1€ admin fee) and informs the insurance company of the balance they must pay. Complicated but it works.

As for generic drugs, pharmacies will usually only carry either the branded or the generic, not both. The pharmacist will tell the individual if they are receiving the generic version.

A few procedures and medicines are not covered so the individual has to cover the cost. An example, my husband had prostate cancer. The entire cost of hospitalisation and treatment, including all follow up/ongoing treatment is covered by the health service but hubby opted for a medical robot to do the surgery. At the time this was a new procedure, the hire of robot was not covered so he had to pay €400 for 3 hours rental. Funnily enough the technicians who set up the robot were considered part of the OR staff so they were paid by ameli.

 

[SomeRandom]

France sounds similar to the Australian system, the government pays between 15% and 80% of the cost of medical care depends on procedure. The individual also takes out a private insurance to pay the balance.

A doctor's (GP) visit costs 25€ paid up front, specialists can cost more. Ameli/CPAM (The government health service) then pays its percentage back into the individuals bank (less 1€ admin fee) and informs the insurance company of the balance they must pay. Complicated but it works.

As for generic drugs, pharmacies will usually only carry either the branded or the generic, not both. The pharmacist will tell the individual if they are receiving the generic version.

A few procedures and medicines are not covered so the individual has to cover the cost. An example, my husband had prostate cancer. The entire cost of hospitalisation and treatment, including all follow up/ongoing treatment is covered by the health service but hubby opted for a medical robot to do the surgery. At the time this was a new procedure, the hire of robot was not covered so he had to pay €400 for 3 hours rental. Funnily enough the technicians who set up the robot were considered part of the OR staff so they were paid by ameli.

Yeah they sound like roughly the same-ish system.
Here all hospital stays, emergency treatment and anything relating to serious illnesses are typically covered completely by our Medicare system. Though you do have to pay for parking lol
And in some states you do have to pay for Ambulances, which I think is wrong but whatever. In Qld it’s free thankfully.
Specialists do tend to be a bit expensive here but folks can opt for private health funds to cover such needs if they choose to.

Does France tax people more if they don’t have private insurance but can very easily afford to?
By that I mean in Aus, the Medicare system is basically more or less funded by the Medicare levy. Everyone basically pays 2% of their earnings towards the system on top of their taxes. This helps keep the system funded. Typically if someone opts for private insurance they don’t have to pay this levy. But if they don’t and they have a very high taxable income, they pay a further 1% towards the levy. Basically with the understanding that since they’ve opted to use it, they can help support it for everyone as well as themselves. Which I think is more than fair.

 

[exchemist]

So this is probably more my curiosity at my US brethren’s experiences. But this is obviously open for all to comment.

So in Australia, though we have universal healthcare (called Medicare) we do also have what’s called “out of pocket expenses.” Since our system is actually a mixture of public and private. So usually with the exception for those on Pension (retired folks) and those on Centrelink benefits (low income earners) and any emergency treatment, we do have to pay for standard doctor visits.
The system known as “bulk billing” basically means that we pay for the full amount, up to 90 AUD, depending on what the doctor charges, but we are then reimbursed at least half that amount (typically) through the Medicare system. In an attempt to keep costs low for folks.

Now this part is for my fellow Aussies mainly. Personally I think that such a system should be in all public facilities as a standard practice. Right now the government merely incentivises GPs to do so and in fairness the system is available in roughly 80% of facilities. I just think it should be standard for all publicly available practices. Thoughts? Opinions?
To Americans, does this seem like a good thing to you? Or do you have another alternative measure to propose?

The second part of my query is more aimed abroad. See in Australia when we are given a prescription usually the chemist will ask if you want the home/generic brand. Basically in addition to our price caps, we also have on the market products that are without the brand name, basically. So a cheaper version of the drug really. I think to ask the customers which they prefer is more or less required by law. Or at least is a standard policy among Pharmacy companies. Not entirely sure.
Anyways do you guys have such an option? Do you take it? Any bad experiences? Prefer the name brands?
Have at it.

I always buy generics for over the counter medicines. You're a mug not to. Why pay a premium for "Nurofen" when you can buy ibuprofen for less than half the price? It's exactly the same stuff.

It's also worth comparing prices for regular tablets versus fancy capsules and other ways of dressing up a simple medicine, as an excuse to charge more for it. All you need is to read what the drug is and the dose per unit and then compare prices. There are loads of ways they try to bamboozle you. Often a large box can have a price per pill half that of the little sachets with pretty colours.

But in practice this only applies to things like analgesics. Most other drugs are too specific to be offered in branded and unbranded versions. And of course prescription drugs are always the version the NHS has bought in bulk, so you won't beat that by shopping around.

 

[Exaltist Ethan]

Have at it.

I can't speak for everybody in the United States. However, I pay $3 for name brand medications and $1 for generics. Doctor visits are completely free. I'm on SSI, which includes government money (about $925 a month) and Medicaid. Everything is covered, vision - with eye glasses worth up to $100, and dental - everything except crowns is covered. I have a primary care physician that is within a walking distance, a virtual psych doctor and various other doctors for other conditions, such as thyroid and heart issues with my medications. I have weekly therapy visits, which are free, and overall I am doing pretty good, honestly. I wish crowns were covered, but besides that I'm doing fine. I have other benefits too, such as subsidized rent, food and utilities.

As someone with SSI I can legally earn up to $500 a month without it effecting my benefits too much. However, the one issue I really have with the program is the fact that I cannot hold more than $2,000 in my bank account or they will take away my benefits. Essentially, what that means is that I can't save money. Crowns are $750 per tooth and if I save $750 and then also get the $925 in SSI I could jeopardize my SSI payments. I try spending all my money every month. If it isn't Starbucks and other restaurants while going out, it's subscription services such as YouTube TV. Yes, as someone with SSI, I actually have YouTube TV. I am paying back my parents with all the years they gave me free satellite and cable, and I actually do watch it occasionally - mostly for Shark Tank, lol.

If you live by the rules, maintain a stable condition and don't do anything stupid, it is possible to have a kind-of normal life on disability. I live in an apartment complex that is originally designed for the elderly, but they later on offered it to low-income disabled folks too. And there's people in my building that are around my age, too. The liberals will tell you that conditions for people like me are horrible... They only are if I didn't follow the rules. I'm not gaining from the system, I can't do that legally, but I'm at least surviving with more than just essentials at the same time...

 

[SomeRandom]

I can't speak for everybody in the United States. However, I pay $3 for name brand medications and $1 for generics. Doctor visits are completely free. I'm on SSI, which includes government money (about $925 a month) and Medicaid. Everything is covered, vision - with eye glasses worth up to $100, and dental - everything except crowns is covered. I have a primary care physician that is within a walking distance, a virtual psych doctor and various other doctors for other conditions, such as thyroid and heart issues with my medications. I have weekly therapy visits, which are free, and overall I am doing pretty good, honestly. I wish crowns were covered, but besides that I'm doing fine. I have other benefits too, such as subsidized rent, food and utilities.

As someone with SSI I can legally earn up to $500 without it effecting my benefits too much. However, the one issue I really have with the program is the fact that I cannot hold more than $2,000 in my bank account or they will take away my benefits. Essentially, what that means is that I can't save money. Crowns are $750 per tooth and if I save $750 and then also get the $925 in SSI I could jeopardize my SSI payments. I try spending all my money every month. If it isn't Starbucks and other restaurants while going out, it's subscription services such as YouTube TV. Yes, as someone with SSI, I actually have YouTube TV. I am paying back my parents with all the years they gave me free satellite and cable, and I actually do watch it occasionally - mostly for Shark Tank, lol.

If you live by the rules, maintain a stable condition and don't do anything stupid, it is possible to have a kind-of normal life on disability. I live in an apartment complex that is originally designed for the elderly, but they later on offered it to low-income disabled folks too. And there's people in my building that are around my age, too. The liberals will tell you that conditions for people like me are horrible... They only are if I didn't follow the rules. I'm not gaining from the system, I can't do that legally, but I'm at least surviving with more than just essentials at the same time...

Can I ask, and I hope you don’t think me rude. Is 500US considered a lot? Like as an income? (I assume weekly?) Like it sounds like you’re living fairly decently.

I guess this is more my trying to calculate it across the exchange rate lol. But I think here only kids in entry level jobs earn less than that. Though cost of living has gone up so that might not be true anymore. I dunno.

 

[ChristineM]

Yeah they sound like roughly the same-ish system.
Here all hospital stays, emergency treatment and anything relating to serious illnesses are typically covered completely by our Medicare system. Though you do have to pay for parking lol
And in some states you do have to pay for Ambulances, which I think is wrong but whatever. In Qld it’s free thankfully.
Specialists do tend to be a bit expensive here but folks can opt for private health funds to cover such needs if they choose to.

Does France tax people more if they don’t have private insurance but can very easily afford to?
By that I mean in Aus, the Medicare system is basically more or less funded by the Medicare levy. Everyone basically pays 2% of their earnings towards the system on top of their taxes. This helps keep the system funded. Typically if someone opts for private insurance they don’t have to pay this levy. But if they don’t and they have a very high taxable income, they pay a further 1% towards the levy. Basically with the understanding that since they’ve opted to use it, they can help support it for everyone as well as themselves. Which I think is more than fair.

Private insurance (known as mutual insurance) is a must by law, every adult must have some sort of health insurance.

The full ins and outs of the french system, Its a rather heavy read
The French health care system

 

[SomeRandom]

Private insurance (known as mutual insurance) is a must by law, every adult must have some sort of health insurance.

The full ins and outs of the french system, Its a rather heavy read
The French health care system

Wow! And I thought our system was complicated lol

 

[Exaltist Ethan]

Can I ask, and I hope you don’t think me rude. Is 500US considered a lot? Like as an income? (I assume weekly?) Like it sounds like you’re living fairly decently.

I guess this is more my trying to calculate it across the exchange rate lol. But I think here only kids in entry level jobs earn less than that. Though cost of living has gone up so that might not be true anymore. I dunno.

Okay, so...

I get $925 a month in cash.
My rent is subsidized and I pay $166 a month in rent.
My electric is about $100 a month - I use a lot of it - but that is subsidized during winters and I don't have to pay for it during winter.
I get about $140 in FoodShare a month, and since COVID they've been adding that much *twice* a month.
Even my cable is subsidized - instead of $55 a month I pay $25 instead. And Prime Video is $7 instead of $15.
I use my parents T-Mobile but there is government plans you can take advantage of for smartphone plans. Pay for the phone but the minutes, text and data are free, essentially.

To answer your question, $500 is about ... a third-time (roughly 15 hours a week) that I can earn in a month, on top of the $925. If @Revoltingest keeps pressuring me maybe I will work that third time lol. I know I can work when I'm stable, but ... I've become allergic to Lithium and its replacement, Tegretol, doesn't always work perfectly for me, and I sometimes am off mentally ... happens maybe once or twice a month, but I really don't want to be in a job situation where I'm having a mental breakdown in front of other people... The last time I was mentally off it was when I posted that Cultural Omnism idea on Interfaith Forums and was OBSESSING about it for HOURS, thinking so highly of myself for no real apparent reason.

But that's me. I have to accept the fact that I have bipolar disorder.

 

[SomeRandom]

Okay, so...

I get $925 a month in cash.
My rent is subsidized and I pay $166 a month in rent.
My electric is about $100 a month - I use a lot of it - but that is subsidized during winters and I don't have to pay for it during winter.
I get about $140 in FoodShare a month, and since COVID they've been adding that much *twice* a month.
Even my cable is subsidized - instead of $55 a month I pay $25 instead. And Prime Video is $7 instead of $15.
I use my parents T-Mobile but there is government plans you can take advantage of for smartphone plans. Pay for the phone but the minutes, text and data are free, essentially.

To answer your question, $500 is about ... a third-time (roughly 15 hours a week) that I can earn in a month, on top of the $925. If @Revoltingest keeps pressuring me maybe I will work that third time lol. I know I can work when I'm stable, but ... I've become allergic to Lithium and its replacement, Tegretol, doesn't always work perfectly for me, and I sometimes am off mentally ... happens maybe once or twice a month, but I really don't want to be in a job situation where I'm having a mental breakdown in front of other people... The last time I was mentally off it was when I posted that Cultural Omnism idea on Interfaith Forums and was OBSESSING about it for HOURS, thinking so highly of myself for no real apparent reason.

But that's me. I have to accept the fact that I have bipolar disorder.

Oh I see. Fair enough.

 

[sun rise]

I really don't want to be in a job situation where I'm having a mental breakdown in front of other people

I hope you can find something suitable. A bit of looking around found this Best and worst jobs for people with bipolar disorder and I noted An older 2011 studyTrusted Source reports that a link exists between creativity and bipolar disorder. Some of the basis for the association stems from biographical accounts of famous musicians, poets, and writers who had signs of the condition. These people include the music composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the writer Charles Dickens.

 

[Aupmanyav]

The topic is complicated and in India, government gives help to the poor sections of the society for medical treatment. I do not think I am entitled to any. But then, I do not need any help.

Prime Minister Modi has hinted on a law which will make it mandatory for doctors to prescribe generic drugs.
PM Modi Hints at Rules for Doctors to Prescribe Generic Drugs