Re: Checking in... anyone still here?

On 3/9/2025 9:58 AM, Barry Gold wrote:
> On 3/8/2025 6:41 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
>> Healthcare is the MAIN reason why I'd never emigrate to the USA, alas. 
>> I've
>> heard from friends just how expensive it can get, particularly for an
>> emergency, but even with routine treatment.
> 
> Not so bad if you're over 65 and worked at least 10 years in the US. 
> Then you're covered by Medicare. I spend a few $thou a year on Medicare 
> part B (covers treatment that doesn't require hospitalization) and 
> Supplemental (private insurance that covers the "co-pay" which isn't all 
> that big anyway).
> 
> The biggest expense is drugs - costs about $3,000 a year. With Part D 
> (drug coverage) I'm pretty much guaranteed that whatever meds I need 
> won't cost more than that. (And things have gotten better since Congress 
> allowed Medicare to negotiate prices with the drug manufacturers.)
> 

The important thing in controlling drug prices is to shop for a new Part 
D plan every year.  You may find its the same one.  Also check out 
places like GoodRx.

I am on a blood thinner.  My plan says Tier 4 and $400 for one month 
supplu.  Good RX says $250 for three month supply.  The winner is in 
Canada.  I send them the prescription, they send it to Mauritius and the 
pharmacy mails me three months for $150. The drug comes from a 
Boehringer Ingelheim plant in Turkey.  They hold the patent for it.