Two weeks ago, I received a FedEx package containing my new prescription. It was ordered from a university hospital pharmacy 70 miles away, because these are pills that a corner drugstore cannot dispense. The price tag = $17,172.
Let that number sink in for a moment. A one month's supply of this drug surpasses the price of most used cars, a semester of college or a year's rent on an apartment. Did I pay that much? Well, of course not. It was covered under my Medicare insurance.. or the company that carries my Medicare advantage HMO plan. Honestly, I don't know even how that works anymore or who pays for what.