It strikes me as quite reasonable to debate whether it was a good thing to establish Medicare, in the first place. (This, of course, was done as a part of LBJ's "Great Society.") Since it exists, however--and it surely is not going to be repealed (unless the US goes to UHC)--it does seem reasonable to inquire: Just why does the so-called "donut hole" even exist, as regarding Part D (i.e. prescription drugs)? (For those who are unaware, this gap, for 2018, runs from $2,700.00 to $7,508.75.) My wife (who has Part D coverage) just ran into this "donut hole." I simply cannot figure out the purpose of it--unless it is just to save the government some money.
The Prescription Plan (Medicare Part D) was created during the Bush administration and it was designed to control costs. That's why plans compete and yes, as far as I can tell, the donut hole is just to save money.
Fair enough. But my own healthcare insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) pays only for generic drugs (unless only the brand-name drug exists). Why not go this route--and therefore, save an enormous amount of money?
Because the way Plan D is set up is that it provides many options for drug prescription plans that have differing costs and benefits.
Why should that nullify my suggestion: i.e. that Medicare Part D (in all its forms) should pay for only the generic equivalent, as long as it actually exists? It is my understanding that paying more does not get oneself a better drug, in this regard: Even the binder must be identical, according to FDA regulations, so that the generic drug dissolves, in the system, just the same as the brand-name drug does.
My Lipitor has a coating on it that slows absorption, but the generics I have been proffered do not, and affect me differently.
It is difficult for me to argue with you, as you appear to be speaking from experience. I am speaking only from what I have read...
That is why DAW exists, many times a generic Rx is not as effective, also there are times a far less expensive Rx is just as effective if not better, only problem is since everyone is not exactly the same as far as drug actions, it is a trial and error process many times to find the most effective medication for a particular Patient.