[dillywho]

The biggest problem I see with the drug increases is that they are absolutely unnecessary. The same goes for drug costs, period. Thank the drug companies for that one. Drug companies try to justify their pricing by claiming they need to pay for research. Practically every commercial break on TV is touting some drug; the same for magazines. How is that paying for research? They could do a multitude of research with the money they spend on that! All those ads are not cheap and we, the consumer, are paying for it with our dollars; sometimes with our health. If your doctor does not "know if xxdrug is right for you", then maybe it's time to find another doctor.

As for HMO's, I will never participate in another if there is anyway to avoid it. I do not want any doctor telling me that I cannot go to a specialist or which one I have to use if I do get "permission". Many times with those, it is not even the doctor but some insurance person making the decision. I had that experience back home when I retired and had to go the HMO route since I was still eligible for company insurance and too young for Medicare. My doctor knew how to beat them at their own game, though. Long story short, they denied an MRI. When he called back to have me admitted to the hospital in order to isolate my problem, they did an about-face and I got the MRI as out-patient. Fancy that!

We are enrolled in PPO's and can stay in network or go out, our choice. I am willing to pay a little more to get the doctors and care I want without having to go the "Mother, may I?" route.