Release
Sometimes, Release, it's not a cut-n-dried conspiracy. I know that's usually the first thing we look for... but sometimes it's just a matter of greed and a business ceo with other compromising interests trying to get his'/her's.
See Martin Shkreli.
To assume that it's anything beyond that, at least in this instance, is jumping to unfounded conclusions.
This week alone, roughly 5000 adults were informed by their personal physicians that they have type-2 diabetes. One of two things will happen as a result: the patient will either commit to changing their lifestyle and eating habits in hopes of potentially reversing the course of the disease, or they will ignore that warning altogether and continue living like they always have, almost assuredly having major health complications in the near future that costs them much more than just a dollar amount.
Some will go out and purchase gym memberships... which probably average $400 per year, maybe more. Some will purchase exercise equipment or a treadmill and have it delivered to their homes. Some will change their buying habits at the local grocery, purchasing more healthy foods versus the processed foods and high-carb items that they usually prefer. And some, depending on their disposable income perhaps - will do little or none of those things.
Whatever the case - treating this disease isn't inexpensive. Why? Because it involves much more than just one aspect of our lives much of the time. When you start considering the total expense of treating diabetes - that easily can lead to an additional several thousand dollars per year, especially when you factor in the additional costs of more needed routine checkups and blood work. Of course, providing that you're fortunate enough to have medical insurance and can afford it.
So although I personally could use an Epi-Pen, as I'm allergic to bees and shellfish, cost isn't the reason why I don't carry one. Convenience is my reasoning... can't leave it in the car during the summer months, because it's supposed to be stored at room temperature. Wouldn't always remember to throw it in my golf bag when I go out to play otherwise if it were stored at home. Or maybe the fact that every two years I'm thinking it should be replaced, even though I've yet to encounter a time in my life that I've even needed one to begin with.
But if there ever is a time that I stumble across a nest of bees at my golf course and get stung enough times that an Epi-Pen might save my life, I'm not thinking about that CEO who decided to increase the price. I'm thinking about how stupid I was to not deal with the inconvenience, despite however expensive it is now or however inexpensive it used to be.
I'm just trying to keep things in perspective here.
Considering all of the expenses needed to manage a potentially serious medical condition, a couple hundred bucks every couple years ain't life changing to me. It's probably not life changing to you either.
Above and beyond that - yep. Price gouging should be investigated and dealt with the same way it was dealt with regarding Shkreli. But I don't expect the continued advancements in medication and treatment of diseases and potentially life-threatening conditions to maintain 1990-level costs. I do believe that 95% of the medical scientists and researchers are trying to add both quality and years to our lives, and because of that experience and technology - stuff gets more expensive to produce. These people researching this stuff and coming up with better treatment options aren't working pro-bono.
I'm not about to assume that two bad apples represent the majority.