I mean, it isn’t cancer, but I have a family member that will need IVIG infusions every 2 weeks for the rest of their life (25+ years). Here they are ~$10k each one. I know it is like 1/3 of the price outside the US, but would something costly like that be covered without limitations?
(I’m just curious how things tactically work out)
Edit: I realize that my perspective is a very US consumer one. We feel entitled to whatever we can pay for (and when it’s free, like a buffet, it can be a lot). It is a pretty big mind shift to move from whatever you want to pay for even if it isnt practical to what you need. Anyhoo, this got me thinking and adjusting my expectations. 😃
No idea about that specific illness, but in general: yes it would be covered in the German system.
In general if a doctor decided you need a certain, scientifically and widely accepted treatment for a certain illness to not die or bring you back to health, it will be covered by your insurance. But it will be the cheapest version, so no extras.
And now comes the but: the insurances don’t really like to pay that much over a longer time, so often chronically ill persons have to jump through loops to get the help and financing they need.
For example chronically ill people need to prove via doctors note again and again that, yes, they are indeed still chronically ill and did not get healed by a miracle in the last year. It’s argued that they do this to combat fraud, but honestly, I would much rather pay a bit more in my invoices and know that those who need it are not put under unnecessary stress.
From a quick Google search, IVIG infusions are a treatment used in the NHS, so yes if a consultant started you on that treatment you would have it for life if necessary and it would cost you nothing.
In the US it costs $100 an oz to manufacturer (just to get it into the bottle). It is crazy that having the gov manufacture it can reduce costs so much. Probably a poster child for single payer.
It’s a big part of the reason India doesn’t recognise Pharma patents - they make their own versions and don’t worry about paying the huge licensing costs.
I mean, it isn’t cancer, but I have a family member that will need IVIG infusions every 2 weeks for the rest of their life (25+ years). Here they are ~$10k each one. I know it is like 1/3 of the price outside the US, but would something costly like that be covered without limitations?
(I’m just curious how things tactically work out)
Edit: I realize that my perspective is a very US consumer one. We feel entitled to whatever we can pay for (and when it’s free, like a buffet, it can be a lot). It is a pretty big mind shift to move from whatever you want to pay for even if it isnt practical to what you need. Anyhoo, this got me thinking and adjusting my expectations. 😃
No idea about that specific illness, but in general: yes it would be covered in the German system.
In general if a doctor decided you need a certain, scientifically and widely accepted treatment for a certain illness to not die or bring you back to health, it will be covered by your insurance. But it will be the cheapest version, so no extras.
And now comes the but: the insurances don’t really like to pay that much over a longer time, so often chronically ill persons have to jump through loops to get the help and financing they need.
For example chronically ill people need to prove via doctors note again and again that, yes, they are indeed still chronically ill and did not get healed by a miracle in the last year. It’s argued that they do this to combat fraud, but honestly, I would much rather pay a bit more in my invoices and know that those who need it are not put under unnecessary stress.
From a quick Google search, IVIG infusions are a treatment used in the NHS, so yes if a consultant started you on that treatment you would have it for life if necessary and it would cost you nothing.
Just a quick check for Australia- https://medicalcostsfinder.health.gov.au/services/Q14245/oh?specialty=020401
Costs $88 to the Gov, $0 to patients.
In the US it costs $100 an oz to manufacturer (just to get it into the bottle). It is crazy that having the gov manufacture it can reduce costs so much. Probably a poster child for single payer.
It’s a big part of the reason India doesn’t recognise Pharma patents - they make their own versions and don’t worry about paying the huge licensing costs.