The deal that Lipitor made with insurance companies could cost you more in your RV retirement. Up until November 30, Pfizer had exclusive rights to Lipitor. Now other companies can make and sell generic versions.
However, Pfizer cut deals with insurance companies so that insurance plans will charge consumers a lower deductible, but, in return, the companies cannot cover generic - read less expensive, competing - versions. Indirectly, it will hurt these consumers because of higher costs to the insurance companies, who will then raise rates.
Medicare patients needing this drug will be more directly affected. If you come under Medicare D,your plan will cover your drugs up to $2,930 and then you go into the donut hole for a period of time where drugs are not covered. Since Lipitor costs much more than a generic version would, you will reach the $2,930 limit much sooner if you use this drug.
Other popular drugs will also come off patent protection in 2012. According to the article in the AARP Bulletin that I read, they speculate that these companies will try also to negotiate similar deals.
This means that some RVers will have less money to spend on their RV lifestyle.
The Senate Finance Committee and Special Committee on Aging have asked the Pfizer for details about the deals they made with the benefit management companies that serve as middlemen between drugmakers and insurers. Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., says "such deals may be abusing Medicare to boost their profits and denying generic alternatives to patients." You think?
If you are politically active or could be affected by this, contact your senator or a committee member and let them know you think this is WRONG. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
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