“Terminally Ill Denied Drugs for Life, But Can Opt for Suicide” 8/6/08 Old story recurring problem.

[jody]

Death Drugs Cause Uproar in Oregon

The 64-year-old Oregon woman, whose lung cancer had been in remission, learned the disease had returned and would likely kill her. Her last hope was a $4,000-a-month drug that her doctor prescribed for her, but the insurance company refused to pay.

What the Oregon Health Plan did agree to cover, however, were drugs for a physician-assisted death. Those drugs would cost about $50.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

A lifelong smoker, she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005 and quit. The state-run Oregon Health Plan generously paid for thousands of dollars worth of chemotherapy, radiation, a special bed and a wheelchair, according to Wagner.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Indeed, Randy Stroup, a 53-year-old Dexter resident with terminal prostate cancer, learned recently that his doctor's request for the drug mitoxantrone had been rejected. The treatment, while not a cure, could ease Stroup's pain and extend his life by six months.

[sharp_stick]

1. But if they give this drug to the cancer

patient how will the insurance executives be able to make the payments on the yachts and summer homes?

Why oh why does nobody think of the poor insurance company executives?

Because these people have insurance they are likely also ineligible for free drugs offered by a lot of the pharma companies to those without it.

[Demoiselle]

2. Is the "Oregon Health Plan" a state run plan?

It sounds like it from the article...

[jody]

3. Don't know but I assume it will be replaced with the new federal program. n/t