Synagis Follow-up

Yesterday I posted a blog about, how Luna and I were treated like circus animals (as described brilliantly by one of my friends)-all in our quest to get our two year old a much-needed and time-sensitive shot called Synagis.

Just after I posted my blog about the Synagis/Anthem/Precision RX heist, I sent the post, along with an email to the aforementioned parties.

By 6pm when I heard nothing from any of the three, I have to say, I was feeling flat-out depressed and started contemplating how I could get my family out of this country, and into a more civilized nation; one where healthcare runs smoothly and affordably-and one where half the population isn't crying government takeover (a very clever and carefully crafted message to instill the very outcome it's generated).

Finally, last evening I checked my email around 7:30pm and a rep from Anthem had written to say "thank you for the note" and asked me what state we were in-to which I replied immediately: New Hampshire.

About a half hour ago, Precision RX, the suppliers of Synagis, the shot that Luna is now about 3 weeks over due for; called to follow-up.

This is what the very kind (and really, the reps-all women-are truly nice, it's the system that is maddening) said:

"Renata from the pharmacy solutions department at Anthem called to say that your co-pay for the drug would be $1825.13, and to go ahead and process it immediately".

This new figure of $1825.13 is indeed wonderful news, a vast improvement over the original $2791.64 that was due.

And somehow (as in it took a day of blogging, tweeting, emails and phone calls) everyone is perfectly fine with billing the balance after the $800 down payment into monthly payments of $512.57

I asked the Precision Rep why the co-pay dropped nearly $1000, and she could not answer.


Footnote: I actually had a few angry commentors to my previous post, one in particular called me, "full of crap". I think the most diplomatic rebuttal is to say, I love business, and if you are selling hand bags, furniture, jeans, paper clips and even coffee; by all means, sell for the highest you can!

But when it comes to lifesaving drugs, medicines, and medical treatment for kids (and adults); shouldn't we be a bit more transparent with the cost and yes, fixed with the fees for these services?