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Cost of swine flu medication too high for some
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 9:13 AM CDT
Updated: Sep 04, 2009 9:13 AM CDT
By Robyn McGlohn - bio | email
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- People between the ages of four weeks and 86-years-old have contracted the H1N1 virus. The average age is 12.
One concern about treating the virus is the cost of the medication, even with insurance.
A man, who didn't want to be shown on camera because of his job situation, said his doctor recently told him and his 13-year-old daughter they "might" have swine flu. The doctor prescribed them anti-biotics and Tamiflu, which is a well known drug to help fight the virus. So what's the problem?
"The cost for the three, for both of us, all six, was 300 dollars and some change, and I had insurance," the man said.
WAFF 48 asked, "Did you buy it?"
He said, "No, I was unable too, I couldn't afford it."
Tamiflu averages around 85 dollars, depending on your insurance plan, but government leaders and doctors still suggest it as a way to help ease the symptoms.
"It maybe affective, but it's expensive," said Congressman Parker Griffith.
Dr. Meyers adds, "It does work on the virus."
Tamiflu though isn't the cure-all, and they still urge everyone to get the H1N1 shots, two to be exact.
According to the Madison County Public Health Department, they're giving the vaccine to school age children for free. For people going to the doctor, experts said the vaccine will cost between two and 20 dollars.
http://www.waff.com/global/story.asp?s=11046727
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 9:13 AM CDT
Updated: Sep 04, 2009 9:13 AM CDT
By Robyn McGlohn - bio | email
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- People between the ages of four weeks and 86-years-old have contracted the H1N1 virus. The average age is 12.
One concern about treating the virus is the cost of the medication, even with insurance.
A man, who didn't want to be shown on camera because of his job situation, said his doctor recently told him and his 13-year-old daughter they "might" have swine flu. The doctor prescribed them anti-biotics and Tamiflu, which is a well known drug to help fight the virus. So what's the problem?
"The cost for the three, for both of us, all six, was 300 dollars and some change, and I had insurance," the man said.
WAFF 48 asked, "Did you buy it?"
He said, "No, I was unable too, I couldn't afford it."
Tamiflu averages around 85 dollars, depending on your insurance plan, but government leaders and doctors still suggest it as a way to help ease the symptoms.
"It maybe affective, but it's expensive," said Congressman Parker Griffith.
Dr. Meyers adds, "It does work on the virus."
Tamiflu though isn't the cure-all, and they still urge everyone to get the H1N1 shots, two to be exact.
According to the Madison County Public Health Department, they're giving the vaccine to school age children for free. For people going to the doctor, experts said the vaccine will cost between two and 20 dollars.
http://www.waff.com/global/story.asp?s=11046727