Why are Fertility Drugs so expensive?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a luxury good.

Thanks, dickhead.

[Anonymous]

Because pharmaceutical companies need all that money for fancy offices and high salaries and purchasing members of congress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have always been so thankful that we have Caremark insurance. DW and I are a same sex couple, and up until last fall, we didn't qualify for IVF coverage (even though we had 6 failed IUIs, failed IVF procedures, and late term loss). The entire time we were paying out of pocket (for SG's shared risk program), I was so, so thankful that our meds were covered. They always have been, even when we started back in 2012 with a clinical trial (in which no meds were covered). It's so strange because I have no idea why, since I read about other women who get complete IVF coverage but nothing for meds. I guess my work just has a great prescription insurance plan? And I don't work for Caremark or anything, but I have to say, my interactions with them have never been anything but excellent. They are efficient, organized, never mess up the orders - not to mention super polite on the phone. I feel for anyone who has to spend thousands and thousands on meds - it's such a racket.

I am one of the PPs, it was precisely Caremark that had jacked up prices resulting in 10K lifetime limit being met after 1 IVF. So you're saying you have unlimited meds coverage with Caremark?

[Anonymous]

I had the same thing happen with my meds, paid 2x the oop price because I had insurance, but I ended with nothing left to cover the cycle.

[Anonymous]

Not to get into politics but wasn't Obama care supposed to address these issues. I've been a nurse for 15 years and all my geriatric patients are complaining that their medications have gone way up in price. Generics are no longer available and meds that have been off patent for years are now twice as much. Until IF I have never taken any meds regularly so despite being in the health field this has been a big eye opener.
As one PP said is having a monopoly illegal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have always been so thankful that we have Caremark insurance. DW and I are a same sex couple, and up until last fall, we didn't qualify for IVF coverage (even though we had 6 failed IUIs, failed IVF procedures, and late term loss). The entire time we were paying out of pocket (for SG's shared risk program), I was so, so thankful that our meds were covered. They always have been, even when we started back in 2012 with a clinical trial (in which no meds were covered). It's so strange because I have no idea why, since I read about other women who get complete IVF coverage but nothing for meds. I guess my work just has a great prescription insurance plan? And I don't work for Caremark or anything, but I have to say, my interactions with them have never been anything but excellent. They are efficient, organized, never mess up the orders - not to mention super polite on the phone. I feel for anyone who has to spend thousands and thousands on meds - it's such a racket.

I am one of the PPs, it was precisely Caremark that had jacked up prices resulting in 10K lifetime limit being met after 1 IVF. So you're saying you have unlimited meds coverage with Caremark?

This is PP. There is no way we have that cap - I've never even heard of it. We would've far exceeded that amount a long time ago. Maybe it has to do with individual employers' contracts with insurance? I tried poking around my benefits page but would have to look further into the Carefirst page. I'm sorry this happened to you though, PP. That really sucks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a luxury good.

Thanks, dickhead.[/quot

Do you think infertility treatments are NOT a luxury good? Do you think they are medically necessary? Do you disagree?

[Anonymous]

It is expensive to create human beings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a luxury good.

Thanks, dickhead.[/quot

Do you think infertility treatments are NOT a luxury good? Do you think they are medically necessary? Do you disagree?

Infertility is a medical condition. There are many countries that recognize this and cover treatment. There are states that recognize this, most notably Massachusetts. People who live in such places don't have to go through financial hell to have their medical concerns addressed.

If you don't agree with me, what exactly are you doing on this board?

[Anonymous]

I wonder if some of the jerky comments on this board come from people on the general DCUM board who see an infertility thread pop up on the "most recent" or "most active" and jump in just to say something snarky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if some of the jerky comments on this board come from people on the general DCUM board who see an infertility thread pop up on the "most recent" or "most active" and jump in just to say something snarky.

Undoubtedly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if some of the jerky comments on this board come from people on the general DCUM board who see an infertility thread pop up on the "most recent" or "most active" and jump in just to say something snarky.

Yes, I'm sure. I'm always on here (unfortunately) and I try to keep my own feelings of sadness (and yes, bitterness) to myself when I read stuff on the expectant mom forum like "Oh no, I'm pregnant with my third and it was a huge mistake!" We all read recent topics, but it's helpful to take note of the forum. In general, us infertility folks have a whole lot of empathy for each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fertility is big business. There is a lot of $$$$$ being made!

Yes, because it is a business. Would you rather everyone pay higher income taxes so you can get cheap fertility drugs? If you don't like it, go make your own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fertility is big business. There is a lot of $$$$$ being made!

Yes, because it is a business. Would you rather everyone pay higher income taxes so you can get cheap fertility drugs? If you don't like it, go make your own.

This response is completely uncalled for. PP was stating a simple fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fertility is big business. There is a lot of $$$$$ being made!

Yes, because it is a business. Would you rather everyone pay higher income taxes so you can get cheap fertility drugs? If you don't like it, go make your own.

Would you like to go without having your medical needs met to avoid higher taxes and insurance premiums for your fellow man?