Your Opinion: Opioid availability

Ray Klapmeyer

Russellville

Dear Editor:

I am confused and concerned. Health care and prescription drugs are discussed frequently. And we hear a lot about the opioid crisis. I don’t wish to debate either side of these issues but would like to discuss opioid availability. I am fortunate to have a good plan as a retired from a major corporation (but those benefits will soon end as I reach the magic age of 65). A 30-day supply of medicine to counter the affects of an aging prostate costs about $10. A 30-day supply of blood pressure medicines costs roughly $8. Medicine to keep my blood glucose at a healthy level costs $12. These are out of pocket expenses. Of course the insurance companies fork over a great deal more than that. But my concern is the cost for an opioid. My cost for a four day supply (16 tabs) is $1.87. Yes, $1.87. Does this make a difference in the crisis? Oh wait. I just figured it out. The opioid is generic.