Correct, but when it's already been established that people will pay those prices, they keep them high. So instead of going from $800 to $5 out of the goodness of their hearts, they go from $800 to $650 (number made up) to get more business but still make massive profits.

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[-] ryannathans@aussie.zone 39 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Soo why sell the patent for $1 and have it be potentially exploited when you could hold onto it and licence use for free?

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[-] ininewcrow@lemmy.ca 41 points 3 days ago

Americans suffer from Stockholm syndrome

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[-] bonenode@piefed.social 25 points 3 days ago

Why can't Americans mail order it from Canada? Is the US going to tax the crap out of it when it crosses the border?

[-] BD89@lemmy.sdf.org 25 points 3 days ago

Yes they will absolutely fuck you on it IF they even allow it at all.

You know, in the spirit of "free markets" and all that bull shit.

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[-] BreadOven@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago

'Murica, fuck yeahhhh!

[-] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 7 points 2 days ago

Sold the patent for $1, that's so Canadian.

[-] ProbablyBaysean@lemmy.ca 8 points 2 days ago

If a transaction occurs for no consideration e.g. a gift, then there is always a chance for a progenitor to sue and claim rights as the transaction "never happened". This happens when a company acquires another and tries to strip benefits, so the company fires and rehires all employees so that is the consideration. I have personally reviewed hundreds of land sales for 10$ in Texas so there is legally binding consideration exchanged. Functionally it is a legally bulletproof gift.

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[-] Petter1@discuss.tchncs.de 19 points 3 days ago

https://fourthievesvinegar.org/

It is not a solution, but maybe an alternative to death…

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[-] Aceticon@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Were I am, you just get Insulin for free with a prescription from you Family Doctor, because we have a National Health Service.

Even without said prescription, it's only €70.

Americans are being thoroughly screwed, and it's very much on purpose thanks to the way laws and regulations around Healthcare were designed in the US (and, at the risk attractint the crowd throwing "bothsideism" slogans around to defend "their" "tribe", this is due to the actions of both US major parties) since in a real Free Market, Insuline over there should cost around the same as it costs over here without a prescription, not 10x more - without artificial market barriers there would be investors literally flying planeloads of the thing from Europe to US to make a killing out of buying it cheaply over here and selling it for "merelly" twice as much over there.

[-] ArcaneSlime@lemmy.dbzer0.com 11 points 3 days ago

Is there any reason a diabetic has to get the newer patented formulas instead of the old one that the pic talks about which is regularly sold for around $25 a vial in the US without insurance?

I know the new stuff works faster and you don't have to worry about your diet as much so I'm sure it's much easier, but why would you have to die instead of just managing your diet and using the $25 stuff for a month in this emergency situation?

Don't get me wrong all medicine should be free and stuff but like, why die instead of switching to the cheap stuff and dietary management for a month?

[-] SpikesOtherDog@ani.social 10 points 3 days ago

Insulin is not permanently shelf stable, and will still expire in the fridge.

Diabetics usually start with a long-acting insulin to keep blood sugar from naturally rising plus a fast-acting insulin for corrections and to compensate for food.

The old style of just giving 2 long-acting shots of mixed insulin is mostly obsolete, except for legacy patients, some pregnant patients, and other special cases I can only theorize.

A good number of diabetics only use fast acting insulin in a pump, receiving microdoses every minute.

To switch brands of insulin, much less therapies in any circumstance requires a doctor's visit.

With all that said, the insurance company will often replace a medication in the event of an accident, typically only once a year.

Without that, a patient might be able to find a charity they will assist them.

You also may be able to travel to the next state over where the cost of insulin is regulated.

Failing all other options, it is better to check yourself in to the hospital as your sugar begins to rise and tell them that you cannot control your blood sugar.

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[-] Zerush@lemmy.ml 15 points 3 days ago

US Healthcare = pay or die

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