I used to never understand why it was such a big deal when medications previously available only with an Rx became over-the-counter. I mean, so what? A co-pay for a prescription is about the same as the price of name brand medications OTC. Yet, there were major advertising campaigns when Claritin and Prilosec became available without a prescription.
Let me tell you why it's a big deal. For those of us with high-deductible medical insurance, it's the difference between $20 at Target for the Zyrtec versus $300 for a visit to an allergist + $20 at the Target pharmacy for Zyrtec. Allergy season has begun and today I will march proudly into Target and purchase ZyrtecOTC for the first time. I even have a $2 coupon.
This is probably only the first of many rants about health insurance that will be coming your way in the next few months. The health care industry, the fact that it is even an "industry" at all, and the fact that my family's medical bills are making it impossible for me to save any money have got me all worked up.
But at least I can get my allergy medicine for less than a tank of gas. Or is that instead of a tank of gas? Damn, the economy sucks.
4 comments:
I used to pay $50/mo co-pay for Zyrtec-- and my little allergic self takes it every day, all year. And now there are even generic versions OTC. Like 45 for $16 or so. Amazing. I do wonder why it never went generic by prescription. I think this is something I learned about once but have forgotten.
remember when you went to europe in high school and first got Zyrtec? some friend of your dad's or something was a doctor? and then it was a big pain to get the insurance company back in the good ol' USA to pay for it, even though it was the only thing that worked?
yes, i know a LOT about your life. and while i can't remember what i did yesterday, i seem to be able to remember detailed anecdotes about things that happened 10-15 years ago.
zyrtec is MAGIC! I love that shit so much that last year I paid $3.00/pill for it when I didn't have insurance. thank the lord for over the counter!
I wish Zyrtec worked for me. Instead, it makes me incredibly tired and thus cranky by around 6 pm. Query: does it have this effect on anyone else?
I need an alternative. As some readers know (read: Sarah), my allergies are debilitating. Particularly in Davis right now because even though flowers are beautiful, their blossoms literally make my throat itch from just looking at them. Suggestions?
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