maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 08:46:17 AM new
Medicare to cover Viagra
WASHINGTON - Sexual performance drugs such as Viagra will be covered in Medicare's new prescription drug program, a lifestyle rather than lifesaving benefit that conservatives and watchdog groups say the government shouldn't provide.
The law, which takes effect Jan. 1 at a cost of more than $500 billion over a decade, says Viagra can be prescribed only when medically necessary, and in limited quantities.
"The law says if it's an FDA [Food and Drug Administration]-approved drug and it is medically necessary, it has to be covered," said Gary Karr, spokesman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which administers the health insurance program for older Americans.
Is it just me? But our seniors have to pay out the kazoo for prescriptions for heart disease, diabetes, etc. etc... not covered by Medicare.. why would they cover Viagra? I don't get it.. Maggie
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Bear1949
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posted on February 2, 2005 09:05:15 AM new
Medicare benefit will cover Viagra, other such drugs
Critics say cost of lifestyle aids will bust program
By LAURIE KELLMAN
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Sexual performance drugs such as Viagra will be covered in Medicare's new prescription-drug program, a lifestyle rather than lifesaving benefit conservatives and watchdog groups say the government shouldn't provide.
Like those for maladies such as high blood pressure and heart disease, prescriptions for Viagra and similar drugs in its class will be tightly controlled. The new prescription coverage begins next Jan. 1 and is expected to cost more than $500 billion in the next decade.
"The law says if it's an FDA-approved drug and it is medically necessary, it has to be covered," said Gary Karr, spokesman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which administers the health insurance program.
Viagra, Cialis and Levitra primarily are used to treat erectile dysfunction, but they also treat enlarged hearts that result from high blood pressure.
Some conservatives and public watchdogs say Medicare coverage of sexual performance drugs could bankrupt the program.
"Asking Uncle Sam to pay for the romance of 76 million baby boomers will quicken the impending collapse of Medicare," said Tom Schatz, president of a taxpayer watchdog group, Citizens Against Government Waste.
Karr said no analysis has been done on the cost of covering prescriptions for sexual performance drugs.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3020105
A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones that need the advice."
- Bill Cosby
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Linda_K
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posted on February 2, 2005 09:07:14 AM new
To me...if it's medically necessary then it should be as any other drug is.
It's the young people who are using it...maybe under a paid for prescription plan who really don't need it.
And that costs all who pay for a drug plan more money.
And maggie, according to income level they are going to be paying for low income peoples drugs...I believe it starts next year. It has already started in a very small way now.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
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maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 09:18:08 AM new
My husband is on Medicare and he has to pay for every prescription he gets!
I wasn't aware that Medicare paid for any prescription drugs.. I thought you had to have supplemental insurance for prescriptions... What the heck is going on.. why are his medically necessary and approved drugs not paid for by Medicare???
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CBlev65252
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posted on February 2, 2005 09:35:18 AM new
You must be kidding, right? All of the uninsured people in this country that cannot get life saving medications and they're going to cover Viagra? Go figure.
Cheryl
"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~ P.J. O'Rourke
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maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 09:44:12 AM new
That's the slant I took on it too, Cheryl..
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Linda_K
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posted on February 2, 2005 10:13:47 AM new
But I don't believe you two would support insurance companies NOT paying for birthcontrol...[all the different types] would you?
maggie...just like SS I don't know the rules for all. But my MIL and her boyfriend could have chosen to pay $35.00 for the year and been entitled to a 10% discount off their drugs. This program is similar to the tax cut program...where it starts out small...and then increases. So..in 2006 it should be paying it's maximum benefit. At least that's the way I understand it.
But in my MIL's case...she has a supplimental insurance that covers MORE than the 10%...so she hasn't applied for the medicare benefit.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
edited to add: Somehow the medicare benefit is on a sliding scale...how much you make decides either the premium you pay or the amount you get off your drugs...I'm not sure which.
[ edited by Linda_K on Feb 2, 2005 10:16 AM ]
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maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 10:54:51 AM new
But I don't believe you two would support insurance companies NOT paying for birthcontrol...[all the different types] would you?
Linda, I am not sure what the comparison is between the use of Viagra and birth control products?
I don't know if insurance pays for Birth Control?
In my opinion, sexual dysfunction in Senior Citizens is trivial in comparison to all the unwanted babies born to people who can't or won't care for them these days. If I had it my way, I would give free birth control to everyone who wanted it.. if it cut down on all these unwanted pregnancys...
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Libra63
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posted on February 2, 2005 12:21:08 PM new
Maggie, did your husband get the Medicare drug card when it was offered? I think it was a year ago and widely publisized, but take some time and call SS to see if they still offer it.
_________________
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Linda_K
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posted on February 2, 2005 12:31:05 PM new
maggie - They are good comparisons... nether are "medically "required" - both both serve the patient. Both groups can just do without sex...and neither will need them covered. But I don't think that's the way either group would like to see it happen.
And yes, most good medical insurance plans pay for drugs too...all drugs that are on the 'formulary' list - which include BC pills. Then the other alteratives too. The implants...patches..shots tubal ligations...etc.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
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kraftdinner
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posted on February 2, 2005 12:37:11 PM new
What a scam. This is just another attempt by the drug companies to further their corruption. Men "need" Viagra about as much as women "need" chocolate. PED is a billion dollar industry CREATED by the drug companies who just happened to have a "cure" on hand. The government is RELYING on most people being stupid when it comes to drug companies and how they operate.
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fiset
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posted on February 2, 2005 12:41:49 PM new
Men "need" Viagra about as much as women "need" chocolate.
Actually, I may not know much in this world but I do know enough to mark my calendar every 28 days so I know when to come home with some chocolate. 
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NearTheSea
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posted on February 2, 2005 12:50:42 PM new
I don't know..... Viagra is probably a God send to men who have or had prostate cancer. Maybe it is a 'luxury' but if your not 90 years old, and had prostate cancer I think it should be covered.
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maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 12:51:38 PM new
Libra, no, he didn't.... he is new to Medicare and is always to busy to read up on it.. guess, I will have to do it for him.
He is very healthy, thank God, and only takes one prescription at the moment, but his doctor suggested he take a cholesterol lowering drug on his last visit only 2 weeks ago.. and that will cost him 100.00 a month.. so we have been looking into supplementary insurance for him..
Linda, I see your point... neither need the drugs medically... and can go without sex..
Unfortunately...the old men will die trying and babies will continue to have babies...
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Bear1949
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posted on February 2, 2005 01:23:12 PM new
I wasn't aware that Medicare paid for any prescription drugs.
Goes into effect 01/01/06
I've been on Medicare for several years, thankfully the few meds I have needed (though I'm not on anything at the present) I was able to get as samples from my Dr, or as generic.
For those without perscription insurance coverage, try the following, if you qualify, prescriptions are only $5.00 each.
http://freemedicineprogram.com/
It saves my mother a bundle each month.
A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones that need the advice."
- Bill Cosby
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maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 01:34:18 PM new
Thanks for the link, Bear.. he doesn't qualify... he is over the salary limit.. Maggie
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Linda_K
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posted on February 2, 2005 02:47:19 PM new
maggie - I think what some may has not read is that men taking certain medications either can't get an erection or have a dimenished capacity ...they lower their sexual drives.
I'd like to see those men remain 'happy'. 
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Four More Years....YES!!!
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maggiemuggins
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posted on February 2, 2005 02:51:52 PM new
I see! 
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kraftdinner
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posted on February 2, 2005 03:29:16 PM new
"I think what some may has not read is that men..."
Pass the bong, Linda.
Fiset, I think chocolate should be a medical necessity for some of us AND covered by insurance companies!
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Linda_K
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posted on February 2, 2005 03:53:32 PM new
Nope...don't do drugs...but that was pretty bad. I tried to edit it when a neighbor stopped by and I forgot to get back to it.
I meant to say, 'what I feel some many have missed readin'...[passed up]
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Four More Years....YES!!!
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Helenjw
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posted on February 2, 2005 03:57:28 PM new
"I meant to say, 'what I feel some many have missed readin'...[passed up]"
Well, that should clear up the confusion. Hahaha!
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Linda_K
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posted on February 2, 2005 04:32:55 PM new
LOL....third time's a charm. [I'm praying.] 
What I meant to say was that some appeared to me to have overlooked what had previously been mentioned. And that was that taking certain drugs do cause some men to loose their ability to get or maintain an erection.
THERE!!! That was so much easier to say without all the interruptions.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
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kraftdinner
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posted on February 2, 2005 04:34:45 PM new
"I meant to say, 'what I feel some many have missed readin'...[passed up]"
That worse.
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fiset
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posted on February 2, 2005 05:07:03 PM new
Just to add to the medications and erections subject - my best friend is 38 and he's bi-polar. Over the years he's taken a variety of medications to even him out. Recently his doctor put him on some anti-deppresents (I want to say Depekote - not sure of the spelling) and a few others that I can't remember right now. Anyway, the doctor also gave him a prescription for Viagra as one of the side effects of the drugs is to turn him into <ahem> Mr. Softie (he's my best friend, so I can tease him a little). He's got full medical and a prescription plan but the Viagra wasn't covered and he had to pay full price.
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classicrock000
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posted on February 2, 2005 05:20:36 PM new
do they have any medicine to get rid of an erection?....I just cant seem to keep the damn thing down.
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CBlev65252
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posted on February 2, 2005 05:30:02 PM new
classic
Your poor wife! LOL Remember - if your erection lasts more than four hours seek immediate medical attention - as stated in the commercials for these male enhancement drugs. Wonder exactly why. Anyone know? Will it explode or break off?
Bet you have the answer, twelve. LOL!
Cheryl
"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~ P.J. O'Rourke
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Feb 2, 2005 05:30 PM ]
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kraftdinner
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posted on February 2, 2005 05:46:09 PM new
LMHO Classic & Cheryl! Will it explode??
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classicrock000
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posted on February 2, 2005 05:53:11 PM new
dont know Kraft, but I remember taking one of those things and it got stuck in my throat and ended up with a stiff neck for days.
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