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How does the cost of a drug change based on who is consuming it? That's like saying the cost of a loaf of bread changes based on who is buying it. The price yo
by garettmd 5y ago
How does the cost of a drug change based on who is consuming it? That's like saying the cost of a loaf of bread changes based on who is buying it.
The price you charge for the bread might change, but the cost is the same regardless of who is purchasing it. There's a difference between varying costs of an item based on accounting methods, versus varying costs of an item due to who is buying it. There seems to be huge disconnect here between people working in healthcare, and pretty much everyone else.
- throwthere 5y agoThe hospital's drug cost is the price the distributor charges it. That price varies for each individual patient. It's turtles all the way down.
- jimbokun 5y agoThat needs to be made illegal tomorrow. Heck, sounds like there could be a Civil Rights Act case, if prices impact people differently based on race or sex or other protected class.
- thesimon 5y agoWhy does the distributor know the identity of the patient?
- dougmwne 5y agoThis reads like straight up corruption and extortion. There could be no other reason to do this than to milk as much money as possible out of people who have no alternative. You should absolutely be testifying before Congress, not before HN.
- learc83 5y agoThis is exactly what happens when a monopoly produces extremely price inelastic goods. If it's not illegal, the monopoly will attempt to charge each customer as much as they can afford.
- 6gvONxR4sf7o 5y agoThat doesn't change the question though. It just changes who it's posed to.