how do you expect me to pay for this???

coolpeach · Jan 18, 2009

I have seen the "if the patient has a pack of cigarettes then he should be able to afford medications" concept repeated over and over in this tread. I really don't think thats fair. They have generic cigarettes for $8 a carton which is far cheaper than most meds. In addition, nicotine is an addiction which isn't very easy to quit. They say its one of the most addictive things available. If this person is truely facing severe financial distress, and is ill to boot going cold turkey is somewhat of an unreasonable, uncompassionate goal. You also don't know anything about this person he may work 3 jobs at min wage just to pay his rent, and provide food for his children, often going without himself, and that one pack of cigarettes a week may be his only luxury. To me is like going to someones house and seeing certain foods in their pantry then condemning them. Why are you eating meat, and poptarts instead of buying your meds. You could just get generic economy oatmeal and be fine. As far as the purse someone is carrying it could have been a gift which has no bearing on the fact that they are poor. I am poor making it on student loans, and grants and my parents have bought me designer stuff I would never buy for myself and it doesn't mean I am less poor.

We are having a health care crisis, and our health care system doesn't work. There are all kinds of people who cannot afford to cover the full cost of their health care and medications. Our job as nurses is not to judge, but to meet the patient whereever they may be at (educationally, mentally etc) and try to educate, and help if we can. If we can't do that then we have lost a very valuable important part of our job description and responsibility as nurses.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

Some folks don't know that Medicaid will pay for certain medical events even though the person doesn't qualify to be permanently on Medicaid.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

Coolpeach said: "To me is like going to someones house and seeing certain foods in their pantry then condemning them. Why are you eating meat, and poptarts instead of buying your meds. You could just get generic economy oatmeal and be fine."

Pffft. I'm a smoker and even I can smell the stench of that arguement.

You CAN NOT compare food, a necessity, to cigarettes. It does not work. Its like comparing apples to elephants (its not even a good enough comparison to be apples to oranages).

You quit smoking for one week, you get moody but healthy. You quit eating for a week, and........well, you know the rest.

No, I dont think being ill in any way shape or form gives you a "get out of jail free" card to have your shortcomings overlooked. I am a smoker, I dont expect others to pay for my habbit in any way, shape or form. Even then it is not really victimless cause, well, I will need medical attention in my later years if I dont quit. So, no, I do not sympathize with anyones desire to continue smoking, especially when they choose it over vital medications.

coolpeach · Jan 18, 2009

Coolpeach said: "To me is like going to someones house and seeing certain foods in their pantry then condemning them. Why are you eating meat, and poptarts instead of buying your meds. You could just get generic economy oatmeal and be fine."
Pffft. I'm a smoker and even I can smell the stench of that arguement.
You CAN NOT compare food, a necessity, to cigarettes. It does not work. Its like comparing apples to elephants (its not even a good enough comparison to be apples to oranages).
You quit smoking for one week, you get moody but healthy. You quit eating for a week, and........well, you know the rest.
No, I dont think being ill in any way shape or form gives you a "get out of jail free" card to have your shortcomings overlooked. I am a smoker, I dont expect others to pay for my habbit in any way, shape or form. Even then it is not really victimless cause, well, I will need medical attention in my later years if I dont quit. So, no, I do not sympathize with anyones desire to continue smoking, especially when they choose it over vital medications.

I am not talking about food ...of course we all need food. We do not need sugary extras like poptarts, cakes, pies, puddings, and candy. These things not only have almost no nutritional value, but are unhealthy. In addition, may people today are over weight and unhealthy, and food is their addiction/vice. I saw a documentary on one man who consumed over $150 a day for food just for himself.

Jo Dirt · Jan 18, 2009

I'd be willing to bet half those meds would be deemed unnecessary. I might suggest a medication evaluation.

A lot of doctors will write prescriptions as if money is never a concern for anyone. I don't care who you are, whether you "save" for retirement or invest, a medical setback can drain all of that but quick (and then some.)

Inability to afford high medical bills does not mean a person has been irresponsible with their money. I've seen too many people put on the skids by illness or accident or anything else Murphy can dish out. I am attempting to prevent this from happening by having health insurance, but everytime I use the insurance and I receive and explanation of benefits in the mail, they make it no secret that if they can find a way to keep from paying they will expect to be refunded. Makes me have a lot of faith in insurance companies.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

Coolpeach said: "We do not need sugary extras like poptarts, cakes, pies, puddings, and candy."

:bugeyes:You mean, I wont die..........if I put down the cheesecake and tweenkies? I beg to differ. lol

crb613, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

I do feel sorry for those who through no fault of their own are faced with this dilemma.

They may not be aware, & could possibly qualify for government, state help. Perhaps some of the pharmicutal (sp) companies if contacted would help.....seems like I saw an ad on tv about this. I agree with the other posters...generic/different meds that will work just as well. Our doctors are really good about this, & have a list of the $4 meds....they use them whenever possible.

I do not have any sympathy for the vast majority who by their own actions have placed themselves in this situation.. I am sick of this entitled attitude.....I want, I want, so I buy what I cannot afford......I end up in a financial crisis.....now I want help! They do not plan for the future, nor do they deny themselves anything. Just my:twocents:.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2009

I do feel sorry for those who through no fault of their own are faced with this dilemma.
They may not be aware, & could possibly qualify for government, state help. Perhaps some of the pharmicutal (sp) companies if contacted would help.....seems like I saw an ad on tv about this. I agree with the other posters...generic/different meds that will work just as well. Our doctors are really good about this, & have a list of the $4 meds....they use them whenever possible.
I do not have any sympathy for the vast majority who by their own actions have placed themselves in this situation.. I am sick of this entitled attitude.....I want, I want, so I buy what I cannot afford......I end up in a financial crisis.....now I want help! They do not plan for the future, nor do they deny themselves anything. Just my:twocents:.

You sound so much like me. On one hand, I want every pt. I have contact with the feel nothing but compassion from me. I have not forgotten that most people today are not in a financial crisis because of any wrong doing of their own. Then I get the sports car driving smoker who is screaming he must be discharged in time to get to the vacation he planned pt. who follows up with "how do you expect me to pay for this???". That is a true example BTW. After a few of these, I start to get jaded and sour. Sometimes its hard to forget about the few bad apples so you can handle the good apples like..........good apples.

Spoiled627 · Jan 18, 2009

I don't know what's offered in your area but I live in Iowa and we have a "Free" Clinic program. It's given once a week and it's first come first serve, the space is limited but at least they have an opportunity. Everything is free -- the visit, labs, studies, and meds -- or at very low cost with an oppertunity for monthly installments. Find out what programs are available in your area.